SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE CO
S-3, 1996-06-04
ELECTRIC SERVICES
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 4, 1996

                                Registration No. 33-_____   
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
                   SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                         WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
                           ____________________

                                 FORM S-3
                          REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                   Under
                         THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ____________________

                    SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
          (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

                  New Mexico                              75-0575400
       (State or other jurisdiction                  (I.R.S. Employer
    of incorporation or organization)              Identification No.)

                              Tyler at Sixth
                          Amarillo, Texas  79101
                              (806) 378-2121

            (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
            including area code, of principal executive offices)

                              Bill D. Helton 
             Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
                              Tyler at Sixth
                          Amarillo, Texas  79101
                              (806) 378-2121

             (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
            number, including area code, of agent for service)

                                Copies to:

                              Gary W. Wolf, Esq.
                          Cahill Gordon & Reindel
                                 80 Pine Street
                         New York, New York  10005
                           ___________________
<PAGE>
                                    -2-


Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:  From time 
to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
                           ____________________

            If the only securities being registered on this Form are being 
offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check 
the following box.
                                   ____
                                  /___/

            If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be 
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the 
Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with 
dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.
                                   ____
                                  /_X_/

            If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an 
offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the 
following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of
the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.
                                    ____
                                   /___/

            If the Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant 
Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the 
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering.
                                    ____
                                   /___/

            If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to 
Rule 434, please check the following box.
                                    ____
                                   /___/




                           ____________________


  
<PAGE>
                                    -3-

                      CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
                     :              : Proposed :   Proposed    :
                     :              : maximum  :   maximum     :
   Title of each     :    Amount    : offering :   aggregate   :  Amount of
class of securities  :    to be     : price per:   offering    : registration
 to be registered    :  registered  : unit     :   price       :    fee      
                     :              :          :               :
Preferred Stock      :  (1)(4)      : (2)      :   (1)(2)(4)   :
Debt Securities      :  (1)(3)      : (2)      :   (1)(2)(3)   :
_____________________:______________:__________:_______________:______________
Total                : $150,000,000 : (2)     :   $150,000,000 : $51,724.14 (5)
______________________________________________________________________________

(1) In no event will the aggregate maximum offering price of all securities 
    issued pursuant to this Registration Statement exceed $150,000,000.  Any 
    securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as units with 
    other securities registered hereunder.
(2) The proposed maximum offering price per unit will be determined, from time 
    to time, by the Registrant in connection with the issuance by the 
    Registrant of the securities registered hereunder.
(3) Subject to Footnote (1), there is being registered hereunder an 
    indeterminate principal amount of Debt Securities.
(4) Subject to Footnote (1), there are being registered hereunder an 
    indeterminate number of shares of Preferred Stock (par value $1 per share).
(5) Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(o).
                           ____________________

            The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such 
date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the 
Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that 
this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in
accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the 
Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, 
acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

            This Registration Statement is also a post-effective amendment to 
Registration Statement No. 33-53171.  Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities 
Act of 1933, as amended, the Prospectus contained herein also covers 
$70,000,000 aggregate amount of securities previously registered under that 
Registration Statement.
         _________________________________________________________________
         _________________________________________________________________
<PAGE>
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 4, 1996

PROSPECTUS
                               $220,000,000

                    SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

                              DEBT SECURITIES
                              PREFERRED STOCK
                           ____________________

            Southwestern Public Service Company (the "Company") intends from 
time to time to sell shares of its Preferred Stock, $1 par value (the "New 
Preferred Stock"), and/or its Debt Securities (the "Debt Securities") 
consisting of First Mortgage Bonds (the "New Bonds"), in one or more series, 
and/or unsecured Debentures or Notes (the "New Unsecured Securities", and 
collectively with the New Preferred Stock and the New Bonds, the
"Securities"), in one or more series, each on terms to be determined at the 
time or times of sale.  The aggregate offering price of the Debt Securities 
and the New Preferred Stock to be sold will not exceed $220,000,000.  All 
specific terms of the offering and sale of the Securities, including (i) the 
specific number of shares, designation, issue price, voting rights,
rate and terms of payment of dividends and redemption provisions and sinking 
fund terms, if any, liquidation preferences, or other special rights, if any, 
and any other terms and conditions of the New Preferred Stock, (ii) the 
specific designation, aggregate principal amount, maturity, rate and terms of 
payment of interest, redemption provisions, sinking fund terms, if any, and 
any other terms and conditions of the Debt Securities and (iii) other specific 
terms and any listing on a securities exchange of the Securities in respect 
of which this Prospectus is being delivered will be set forth in a Prospectus 
Supplement ("Prospectus Supplement"), together with the terms of offering of 
such Securities.  The Securities will be offered as set forth under "Plan of 
Distribution".
                           ____________________

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND 
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION 
OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF 
THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                           ____________________

The date of this Prospectus is _______, 1996

INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT.  A 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.  THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY 
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
BECOMES EFFECTIVE.  THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR 
THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE 
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
<PAGE>
                                    -2-

UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS 
OF ANY SUCH STATE.


<PAGE>
                                    -3-



                           AVAILABLE INFORMATION

            Southwestern Public Service Company (the "Company")
is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act") and in accordance there-
with files reports and other information with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") which may be
inspected and copied at the offices of the Commission,
Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and
Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048,
and copies of such material can be obtained from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549, at
prescribed rates.  Certain securities of the Company are listed
on the New York, Chicago and Pacific Stock Exchanges.  Reports,
proxy and information statements, and other information con-
cerning the Company can be inspected at such exchanges.


              INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

            The following documents filed by the Company with the
Commission (File No. 1-3789) pursuant to the the 1934 Act are
incorporated herein by reference as of their respective dates
of filing and shall be deemed to be a part hereof:

            1.    The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended August 31, 1995 (the "1995 Form 10-K").

            2.    The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for 
the quarters ended November 30, 1995 (the "November Quarterly
Report") and February 29, 1996 (the "February Quarterly
Report").

            3.    The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed
February 2, 1996 and February 26, 1996.

            4.    Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for the Annual
Meeting held January 31, 1996 included in the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 of New Century Energies, Inc. (Registra-
tion No. 33-64951).

            All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sec-
tions 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act after the date
of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of this offer-
ing shall also be deemed to be incorporated by reference in

  
<PAGE>
                                    -4-



this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing
of such documents.

            The Company hereby undertakes to provide without
charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom
a copy of this Prospectus has been delivered, on the request of
any such person, a copy of any or all documents referred to
above which have been or may be incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus (not including exhibits to such incorporated
information that are not specifically incorporated by reference
into such information).  Requests for such copies should be
directed to Secretary, Southwestern Public Service Company,
Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo, Texas 79101.

                                THE COMPANY

            The Company, incorporated under the laws of the State
of New Mexico in 1921, is principally engaged in the genera-
tion, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy in
portions of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas.  The elec-
tric properties comprise an interconnected system.  A major
portion of the Company's electric operating revenues is derived
from operations in Texas.  The Company has two wholly owned
non-utility subsidiaries, Utility Engineering Corporation and
Quixx Corporation.  The principal executive offices of the Com-
pany are located at Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo, Texas 79101 (Tel:
806-378-2121).

            At the annual meeting of the Company's shareholders
held on January 31, 1996, the shareholders approved the pro-
posed "merger of equals" of the Company and Public Service Com-
pany of Colorado ("PSCo") (the "Merger Agreement").  Pursuant
to the terms of the Merger Agreement, upon satisfaction or
waiver of the terms and conditions thereof, the Company and
PSCo will become wholly owned subsidiaries of a new holding
company called New Century Energies, Inc.  The Company and PSCo
will maintain their separate identities and continue to serve
customers in their respective service areas.  The Company's
debt and any preferred stock (including the Securities) of the
Company outstanding at the time of effectiveness of the merger
will remain outstanding debt and preferred stock of the Company
and the terms and conditions thereof will not change.  The
transaction is subject to various conditions including the
receipt of approvals from various state and federal regulators.


  
<PAGE>
                                    -5-



                              USE OF PROCEEDS

            The proceeds from the sale of the Securities will be
used as described in the Prospectus Supplement by which such
Securities are offered.

                              EARNINGS RATIOS

            The Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and the Ratio
of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividend
Requirements for each of the periods indicated is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       Twelve Months Ended              
                                    February 29,            August 31,
                                    ------------    ----------------------------
                                       1996         1995  1994  1993  1992  1991
                                       ----         ----  ----  ----  ----  ----
<S>                                   <C>           <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>
Ratio of
Earnings to  

  Fixed Charges:                      4.94          5.10  4.76  4.82  4.53  4.67

  Combined Fixed 
   Charges and
   Preferred
   Dividend
   Requirements:                      4.26          4.37  4.04  4.01  3.63  3.79

</TABLE>

            The Ratios for future periods will be included in the
Company's Reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q.  Such Reports are
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus at the time they
are filed.


                    DESCRIPTION OF NEW PREFERRED STOCK


            The following description of the New Preferred Stock
sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the Compa-
ny's Restated Articles of Incorporation (the "Articles") and
the Company's Mortgage (see "Description of New Bonds") appli-
cable to any series of New Preferred Stock.  The definitive
terms of any such series of New Preferred Stock are set forth
in the Prospectus as amended and supplemented by the Prospectus
Supplement by which such series of New Preferred Stock is
offered.  This Prospectus includes brief outlines of certain
provisions contained in the Articles and such Mortgage and does
not purport to be complete.  Copies of instruments constituting


  
<PAGE>
                                    -6-



the Articles and the Mortgage are Exhibits to the Registration
Statement and reference is made thereto for further information
including definitions of certain terms used herein.

General

            Under the Articles, the Board of Directors is autho-
rized, without further shareholder action, to provide for the
issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $1 par
value (the "Preferred Stock").  As of the date of this Prospec-
tus, the Company has no Preferred Stock issued or outstanding. 

            The New Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more
series, with such designations or titles; any voting powers;
dividend rates and dates of payment; whether of not dividends
shall be cumulative and, if cumulative, the date or dates from
which dividends shall be cumulative; any redemption provisions,
special or relative rights in the event of liquidation, disso-
lution, distribution or winding up of the Company; any sinking
fund provisions; any conversion provisions; and any other pref-
erences, privileges, powers, rights, qualifications, limita-
tions and restrictions, as shall be set forth as and when
established by the Board of Directors of the Company and not
inconsistent with applicable law or the Articles.  The shares
of any series of New Preferred Stock will be, when issued,
fully paid and non-assessable and holders thereof will have no
preemptive rights in connection therewith.

            The liquidation preference of any series of New Pre-
ferred Stock is not necessarily indicative of the price at
which shares of such series of New Preferred Stock will actu-
ally trade at or after the time of their issuance.  The market
price of the shares of any series of New Preferred Stock can be
expected to fluctuate with changes in market and economic con-
ditions, the financial condition and prospects of the Company,
and other factors that generally influence the market price of
securities.

Voting Rights

            Except as indicated in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to a particular series of New Preferred Stock or
except as expressly required by applicable law or the Articles,
the holders of shares of New Preferred Stock will not have vot-
ing rights.




  
<PAGE>
                                    -7-



            The terms of the Preferred Stock may not be adversely
changed without the consent of a majority in aggregate voting
power of the Preferred Stock then outstanding or, if one or
more but less than all of the shares thereof are so affected, a
majority in aggregate voting power of the affected series vot-
ing as one class.

Dividend Rights

            Holders of each series of New Preferred Stock will be
entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of
Directors of the Company out of funds legally available there-
fore, cash dividends at such rates (which may be variable or
fixed, and if variable an index formula or other method may be
used) and on such dates as are set forth in the Prospectus Sup-
plement relating to such series of New Preferred Stock.  Divi-
dends will be payable to holders of record of New Preferred
Stock as they appear on the books of the Company on such record
dates as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.  Unless
otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to a
series of New Preferred Stock, such dividends shall be payable
from, and shall be cumulative from, the date of original issue
of each share, so that if in any dividend period (being the
period between such dividend payment dates) dividends at the
rate or rates as described in the Prospectus Supplement relat-
ing to such series of New Preferred Stock shall not have been
declared and paid or set apart for payment on all outstanding
shares of Preferred Stock for such dividend period and all pre-
ceding dividend periods from and after the first day from which
dividends are cumulative, then the aggregate deficiency shall
be declared and fully paid or set apart for payment, but with-
out interest, before any dividends shall be declared or paid or
set apart for payment on the Common Stock by the Company.  The
cutting-off of dividends on Common Stock until the arrearages
have been paid or provided for, as outlined above, and such
rights, if any, to vote for the election of directors as may be
set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of
New Preferred Stock, shall (unless otherwise set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement) be the only consequences of the failure
to declare or pay dividends on the New Preferred Stock.  After
payment in full of all dividend arrearages on the New Preferred
Stock, dividends on the Common Stock may be declared and paid
out of funds legally available for that purpose as the Board of
Directors may determine.

            The Mortgage pursuant to which the Company's First
Mortgage Bonds are issued contains a covenant limiting the


  
<PAGE>
                                    -8-



amount of dividends that the Company may declare on any stock,
including Preferred Stock.  (See "Description of New Bonds --
Dividend Covenant.")

Redemption and Sinking Fund Provisions

            Any provisions relating to the redemption by the Com-
pany or for a sinking fund or for redemption at the option of
the holders of any series of New Preferred Stock will be as set
forth in the Prospectus Supplement by which such New Preferred
Stock is to be offered.

            Any provisions relating to limitations and restric-
tions upon the payment of dividends or the making of other dis-
tributions on, and upon the purchase, redemption, or other
acquisition by the Company of, the Common Stock or any other
class or classes of stock of the Company ranking junior to the
New Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, disso-
lution, or winding up of the Company will be as set forth in
the Prospectus Supplement.  (See "Description of New Bonds --
Dividend Covenant" for present restrictions on the purchase or
redemption of, or payments or distributions made in respect of
Preferred Stock by the Company.)

Ranking and Restriction on Indebtedness

            The relative rank, preference, and priority of the
New Preferred Stock, with respect to dividend rights, and
rights on liquidation, winding up and dissolution, will be as
set forth in the Prospectus Supplement and in the Certificate
of Designation of the series when issued.  The New Preferred
Stock may rank senior to, junior to, or on a parity with any
other classes of equity securities issued by the Company, the
terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities
will rank junior to, senior to, or on parity with, such series
of New Preferred Stock.

            Any provisions respecting the conditions or restric-
tions upon the creation of indebtedness of the Company or upon
the issuance of additional stock (including additional shares
of such series or any other class) ranking on a parity with or
senior to the New Preferred Stock as to dividends or distribu-
tion of assets upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of
the Company will be as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement.





  
<PAGE>
                                    -9-



Liquidation Rights

            In the event of liquidation, holders of the New Pre-
ferred Stock may be entitled to receive, from assets available
for distribution to stockholders, a preferential amount fixed
for the respective series.  Provisions relating to the liquida-
tion preference payable on each series of New Preferred Stock
will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement by
which such New Preferred Stock will be offered.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

            The transfer agent and registrar for the New Pre-
ferred Stock will be Society National Bank, Cleveland, Ohio or
its successor.


                         DESCRIPTION OF NEW BONDS

General

            The New Bonds will be issued in one or more series
under the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated
August 1, 1946, to Chemical Bank, as trustee (the "Bond Trus-
tee") as supplemented and amended and as it is to be supple-
mented by a supplemental indenture for each series of New Bonds
(such indenture, as so supplemented and amended, the "Mort-
gage").  This Prospectus includes brief outlines of certain
provisions contained in the Mortgage and does not purport to be
complete.  Copies of the instruments constituting the Mortgage
are Exhibits to the Registration Statement and reference is
made thereto for further information including definitions of
certain terms used herein.

            The principal, premium, if any, and interest on the
New Bonds are payable at the principal corporate trust office
of Chemical Bank in New York, New York (unless the Company
shall designate and maintain some other office or agency for
such purpose), unless the Prospectus Supplement provides other-
wise.  Each series of New Bonds will have a stated principal
amount, maturing date(s), interest rate(s) and other specific
terms as may be determined at the time of sale, all of which
will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such
series.  Interest, payable semiannually at the rate set forth
in such Prospectus Supplement, will be paid to the persons in
whose names the New Bonds are registered at the close of busi-
ness on the record date set forth therein.  Unless otherwise


  
<PAGE>
                                   -10-



indicated in a Prospectus Supplement relating thereto, the New
Bonds will be issuable only as fully registered bonds in denom-
inations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof, and will be
exchangeable for other New Bonds of the same series in equal
aggregate principal amounts without any service or other charge
therefor by the Company, except for any applicable taxes or
governmental charges.  

            The New Bonds of a series may be issued in whole or
in part in the form of one or more global New Bonds that will
be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Com-
pany or another depository identified in the Prospectus Supple-
ment relating to the series (the "Depository").  If issued,
Global New Bonds may be issued in registered or uncertificated
form and in either temporary or permanent form.  Unless and
until it is exchanged in whole or in part for New Bonds in
definitive form, a global New Bond may not be transferred
except as a whole by the Depository to a nominee or a successor
depository.  See "Book-Entry Only System".

            Unless otherwise indicated in a Prospectus Supple-
ment, the covenants contained in the Mortgage and the New Bonds
do not afford holders of the New Bonds special protection in
the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving the Com-
pany that may adversely affect the holders of New Bonds.

Optional Redemption Provisions

            The Prospectus Supplement for each series of New
Bonds will indicate if such series is subject to redemption at
the option of the Company prior to maturity.  If so, the Pro-
spectus Supplement will include the terms of such redemption,
which will be made upon thirty days' notice and in the manner
provided in the Mortgage.  The provisions of this paragraph do
not apply to redemptions pursuant to operation of any sinking
fund (Mortgage, Articles 8 and 11).

Sinking and Improvement Fund

            For each series of New Bonds for which the Company
determines to provide a sinking and improvement fund, the terms
of such fund will be described in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to that series.






  
<PAGE>
                                   -11-



Security

            Each series of New Bonds together with all other
Bonds heretofore or hereafter issued under the Mortgage will be
equally and ratably secured by the Mortgage, which constitutes,
in the opinion of Hinkle, Cox, Eaton, Coffield & Hensley,
L.L.P., counsel for the Company, a valid and direct first lien
(subject to Permitted Encumbrances) on all the present proper-
ties (principally generating plants and transmission and dis-
tribution facilities) and franchises of the Company, other than
Excepted Property, subject only to a reversionary interest in
the site of the Company's generating plant near Borger, Texas,
conditioned upon its continued use in the generation, transmis-
sion and distribution of electric energy, and to certain minor
defects in the Company's title to the sites of certain of its
transmission and distribution lines, substations and minor
structures.  Neither such reversionary interest nor such minor
defects, in the opinion of such counsel, materially interferes
with the use or operation of the Company's properties.

            The Mortgage contains provisions for subjecting to
the lien thereof (subject to limitations contained in
Article 15 in case of a merger or transfer or lease of the Com-
pany's assets) after-acquired property other than Excepted
Property.  After-acquired property may, subject to certain lim-
itations, be subject to prior liens (Mortgage Section 9.15), but, if
so subject, may not be included in Gross Bondable Additions or
Net Bondable Additions under the Mortgage until the prior liens
thereon have been paid or prepaid (Mortgage Section 4.01).

Maintenance Covenant

            The Mortgage provides that the Company shall, on or
before October 1 in each year, deposit with the Trustee cash
equal to the excess of (i) 15% of operating revenues for the
year ended the preceding May 31 (less the cost of utility ser-
vices purchased for resale and a further sum equal to the cost
of fuel used to generate electricity in excess of 2.90 mills
per net kilowatt hour) with certain adjustments, over (ii) the
amounts charged on its books for maintenance and repairs during
such year.  Instead of depositing cash, the Company may (a)
deliver Bonds or certify that Bonds have been or are to be
retired (with certain exceptions) or (b) certify Gross Bondable
Additions.  Cash so deposited may be withdrawn in the same man-
ner as cash deposited on release of property, may be applied to
the purchase of Bonds, or may be applied to the redemption of
Bonds (Mortgage Section 9.06; Supplemental Indenture Section 1.02;


  
<PAGE>
                                   -12-



Mortgage, Article 8).  Cash, Bonds and Gross Bondable Additions
used to satisfy the requirements of the Maintenance Covenant
may be deducted from Retirements in computing Net Bondable
Additions (Mortgage Section 4.01).

Issuance of Additional Bonds

            The maximum principal amount of Bonds which may be
outstanding under the Mortgage at any one time is
$3,000,000,000.  The Mortgage provides that Bonds may be issued
from time to time against (1) 60% of Net Bondable Additions
(Mortgage, Article 4), (2) Bonds retired or then to be retired
(with certain exceptions) (Mortgage, Article 6) or (3) cash
deposited with the Bond Trustee for such purpose, which cash
may be withdrawn from time to time against 60% of Net Bondable
Additions (Mortgage, Article 5).  With certain exceptions in
the case of (2) above, no additional Bonds may be issued unless
Net Earnings for 12 consecutive calendar months within the 15
immediately preceding calendar months, before interest and
income and profits taxes, are at least twice the annual inter-
est requirements on all Bonds outstanding and then to be issued
and on all prior lien indebtedness.  Based on the Company's
financial results for the twelve months ended August 31, 1995,
the Company could have issued approximately $316,330,000 prin-
cipal amount of additional Bonds under this restriction.  The
available amount of Net Bondable Additions and Retired Bonds at
August 31, 1995 was approximately $335,000,000 and $115,300,000
respectively.

Dividend Covenant

            The Mortgage provides that the Company will not
declare any dividends (other than dividends payable in its
stock) upon any shares of its stock, or make any payment on
account of the purchase, redemption or other retirement of, or
any distribution in respect of, any shares of its stock except
to the extent that the sum of (1) $1,278,243.59, (2) Net Income
of the Company, as defined, since June 1, 1946, and (3) net
proceeds received by the Company from the issue since such date
of any shares of its stock (but only up to an amount equal to
the aggregate amount of all payments since such date on account
of the acquisition of any shares of its stock), shall be
greater than the aggregate amount of dividends declared on all
classes of the Company's stock and of all payments made on
account of the acquisition of, or distribution in respect of,
any shares of its stock since such date (Mortgage Section 9.20).  At
August 31, 1995, approximately $949,000 of the Company's


  
<PAGE>
                                   -13-



retained earnings of $378,458,000 was not available for any
such purpose under this limitation.  As a result of the 
redemption and repurchase of all of the then-outstanding
Preferred Stock of the Comany in December 1995 and January
1996, an additional $6,254,843 of retained earnings is
also not available.

Modification of the Mortgage

            The Mortgage, the rights and obligations of the Com-
pany and the rights of the Bondholders may be modified with the
consent of the holders of 66-2/3% of the Bonds, and, if less
than all series of Bonds are affected, the consent of the hold-
ers of 66-2/3% of the Bonds of each series affected (Mortgage
Section 19.06).  No modification of the terms of payment of princi-
pal, interest or premium and no modification reducing the per-
centage required for modification is effective against any
Bondholder without his consent.

            The Company has reserved the right to amend the Mort-
gage without any consent or other action by holders of any
series of Bonds created after July 15, 1992, including the New
Bonds, as shall be necessary in order to amend or delete in its
entirety the maintenance covenant set forth in the Mortgage,
and such covenant as amended by the Supplemental Indentures.
(See "Description of New Bonds -- Maintenance Covenant.")

Defaults

            An event of default is defined as:  default in pay-
ment of principal of any Bond; default for 30 days in payment
of interest upon any Bond or of sinking or improvement fund
installments in respect of any Bond; default under other cove-
nants for 60 days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or
holders of 10% of the Bonds; failure to discharge final money
judgments within 60 days; certain events in bankruptcy, insol-
vency, or reorganization; and certain assumptions of custody or
control of the Company or its assets by governmental agencies.
The Bond Trustee may withhold notice of default (except in pay-
ment of principal, interest or sinking or improvement fund
installments) if in its judgment it is in the interests of the
Bondholders (Mortgage Section 13.01).

            Holders of a majority of the Bonds may require the
Bond Trustee to, and holders of 25% of the Bonds may, declare
the principal and interest due and payable on default, but
holders of a majority of the Bonds may annul such declaration
if such default is cured (Mortgage Section 13.01).  No Bondholder may
enforce the Mortgage unless such holder shall have given the
Bond Trustee written notice of a default and unless the holders
of a majority of the Bonds have requested the Bond Trustee in


  
<PAGE>
                                   -14-



writing to act and have offered the Bond Trustee reasonable
indemnity or security, if required, and the Bond Trustee shall
have failed to act for a period of 30 days (Mortgage Section 13.14).
The foregoing does not affect the right of each Bondholder to
enforce payment of principal and interest on the holder's Bond.
Holders of a majority of the Bonds may direct the Bond Trustee
to take action in the event of default (Mortgage Sections 13.04,
13.19).  The Bond Trustee is not required to risk its funds or
incur personal liability if there is reasonable ground for
believing that repayment is not reasonably assured (Mortgage Section
16.02).

            Other than in connection with applications made under
the Mortgage from time to time, periodic evidence is not
required to be furnished as to absence of default or as to com-
pliance with the terms of the Mortgage.

The Bond Trustee

            Chemical Bank is the Bond Trustee under the Mortgage.


                  DESCRIPTION OF NEW UNSECURED SECURITIES

            The New Unsecured Securities will be issued in one or
more series, under an Indenture ("Indenture") between the Com-
pany and the trustee to be named therein (the "Unsecured Secu-
rities Trustee") the form of which is filed as an Exhibit to
the Registration Statement.  The following summaries of certain
provisions of the Indenture do not purport to be complete and
are qualified in their entirety by express reference to the
Indenture.

            The Indenture will not limit the amount of New Unse-
cured Securities that can be issued thereunder and provides
that the New Unsecured Securities may be issued in series up to
the aggregate principal amount which may be authorized from
time to time by the Company.  The New Unsecured Securities will
be unsecured and will rank on a parity with all other unsecured
and unsubordinated debt of the Company.

            Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement for
the following terms, if applicable, of the New Unsecured Secu-
rities offered thereby:  (1) the designation (e.g., Notes or
Debentures), aggregate principal amount, currency or composite
currency and denominations; (2) the price or prices (or method
for determining price or prices) at which such New Unsecured


  
<PAGE>
                                   -15-



Securities will be issued and, if an index formula or other
method is used, the method for determining amounts of principal
or interest; (3) the maturity date(s); (4) the interest rate(s)
(which may be fixed or variable), if any; (5) the date or dates
from which interest will accrue and on which interest will be
payable, and the record dates for the payment of interest;
(6) the manner of paying principal or interest; (7) the place
or places where principal and interest will be payable; (8) the
terms of any mandatory or optional redemption by the Company, 
including the terms of any sinking fund; (9) the terms of any 
redemption at the option of Holders; (10) whether such New 
Unsecured Securities are to be issuable as registered New 
Unsecured Securities, bearer New Unsecured Securities, or both, 
and whether and upon what terms any registered New Unsecured 
Securities may be exchanged for bearer New Unsecured Securities 
and vice versa; (11) whether such New Unsecured Securities are 
to be represented in whole or in part by a New Unsecured Security 
in global form and, if so, the identity of the depository for any 
global New Unsecured Security; (12) any tax indemnity provisions; 
(13) if the New Unsecured Securities provide that payments of 
principal or interest may be made in a currency other than that 
in which New Unsecured Securities are denominated, the manner for 
determining such payments; (14) the portion of principal payable 
upon acceleration of a Discounted Security (as defined below);
(15) whether and upon what terms New Unsecured Securities may
be defeased; (16) any events of default or restrictive cove-
nants in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in the
Indenture; (17) provisions for electronic issuance of New Unse-
cured Securities or for New Unsecured Securities in
uncertificated form; (18) the terms, if any, upon which the New
Unsecured Securities will be convertible into or exchangeable
for other securities or other property of the Company or
another person; and (19) any additional provisions or other
special terms not inconsistent with the provisions of the
Indenture, including any terms that may be required or advis-
able under United States laws or regulations, or advisable in
connection with the marketing of the New Unsecured Securities.

            The New Unsecured Securities of a series may be
issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global
New Unsecured Securities that will be deposited with, or on
behalf of, the Depository.  Global New Unsecured Securities may
be issued in registered, bearer or uncertificated form and in
either temporary or permanent form.  Unless and until it is
exchanged in whole or in part for New Unsecured Securities in
definitive form, a global New Unsecured Security may not be
transferred except as a whole by the Depository to a nominee or


  
<PAGE>
                                   -16-



a successor depository (Indenture Section 2.12).  See "Book-Entry
Only System".

            New Unsecured Securities of any series may be issued
as registered New Unsecured Securities, bearer New Unsecured
Securities or uncertificated New Unsecured Securities, as spec-
ified in the terms of the series.  Unless otherwise indicated
in the Prospectus Supplement, registered New Unsecured Securi-
ties will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and whole multi-
ples thereof and bearer New Unsecured Securities will be issued
in denominations of $5,000 and whole multiples thereof.  One or
more global New Unsecured Securities will be issued in a
denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the aggregate
principal amount of outstanding New Unsecured Securities of the
series to be represented by such global New Unsecured Security
or New Unsecured Securities.

            In connection with its original issuance, no bearer
New Unsecured Security will be offered, sold, resold, or mailed
or otherwise delivered to any location in the United States and
a bearer New Unsecured Security in definitive form may be
delivered in connection with its original issuance only if the
person entitled to receive the bearer New Unsecured Security
furnishes certification as described in United States Treasury
regulation section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(iii) (Indenture Section 2.04).

            For purposes of this Prospectus, unless otherwise
indicated, "United States" means the United States of America
(including the States and the District of Columbia), its terri-
tories and possessions and all other areas subject to its
jurisdiction.  "United States person" means a citizen or resi-
dent of the United States, any corporation, partnership or
other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the
United States or a political subdivision thereof or any estate
or trust the income of which is subject to United States fed-
eral income taxation regardless of its source.  Any special
United States federal income tax considerations applicable to
bearer New Unsecured Securities will be described in the Pro-
spectus Supplement relating thereto.

            To the extent set forth in the Prospectus Supplement,
except in special circumstances set forth in the Indenture,
principal and interest on bearer New Unsecured Securities will
be payable only upon surrender of bearer New Unsecured Securi-
ties and coupons at a paying agency of the Company located out-
side of the United States.  During any period thereafter for
which it is necessary in order to conform to United States tax


  
<PAGE>
                                   -17-



law or regulations, the Company will maintain a paying agent
outside the United States to which the bearer New Unsecured 
Securities and coupons may be presented for payment and will
provide the necessary funds therefor to the paying agent upon
reasonable notice.

            Registration of transfer of registered New Unsecured
Securities may be requested upon surrender thereof at any
agency of the Company maintained for the purpose and upon ful-
fillment of all other requirements of the agent.  Bearer New
Unsecured Securities and the coupons related thereto will be
transferable by delivery.

            New Unsecured Securities may be issued under the
Indenture as Discounted New Unsecured Securities to be offered
and sold at a substantial discount from the principal amount
thereof.  Special United States federal income tax and other
considerations applicable thereto will be described in the Pro-
spectus Supplement relating to such Discounted New Unsecured
Securities.  "Discounted New Unsecured Security" means a New
Unsecured Security where the amount of principal due upon
acceleration is less than the stated principal amount.

Certain Covenants

            The New Unsecured Securities will not be secured by
any properties or assets and will represent unsecured debt of
the Company.

            Unless otherwise indicated in a Prospectus Supple-
ment, the covenants contained in the Indenture and the New
Unsecured Securities do not afford holders of the New Unsecured
Securities special protection in the event of a highly lever-
aged or other transaction involving the Company that may
adversely affect holders of the New Unsecured Securities.

Successor Obligor

            Unless the Bond Resolution establishing the terms 
of a series otherwise provides, the Company will not consolidate 
with or merge into, or transfer all or substantially all of its 
assets to, any person, unless (1) the person is organized under 
the laws of the United States or a State thereof; (2) the person 
assumes by supplemental indenture all the obligations of the Company 
under the Indenture, the New Unsecured Securities and any coupons; 
(3) all required approvals of any regulatory body having jurisdiction 
over the transaction shall have been obtained; and (4)
<PAGE>
                                   -18-



immediately after the transaction no Default (as defined)
exists.

            The successor will be substituted for the Company,
and thereafter all obligations of the Company under the Inden-
ture, the New Unsecured Securities and any coupons shall termi-
nate (Indenture Section 5.01).

Exchange of New Unsecured Securities

            Registered New Unsecured Securities may be exchanged
for an equal aggregate principal amount of registered New Unse-
cured Securities of the same series and date of maturity in
such authorized denominations as may be requested upon surren-
der of the registered New Unsecured Securities at an agency of
the Company maintained for such purpose and upon fulfillment of
all other requirements of the agent.

            To the extent permitted by the terms of a series of
New Unsecured Securities authorized to be issued in registered
form and bearer form, bearer New Unsecured Securities may be
exchanged for an equal aggregate principal amount of registered
or bearer New Unsecured Securities of the same series and date
of maturity in such authorized denominations as may be
requested upon surrender of the bearer New Unsecured Securities
with all unpaid coupons relating thereto (except as may other-
wise be provided in the New Unsecured Securities) at an agency
of the Company maintained for such purpose and upon fulfillment
of all other requirements of the agent (Indenture Section 2.07).  As
of the date of this Prospectus, it is expected that the terms
of a series of New Unsecured Securities will not permit regis-
tered New Unsecured Securities to be exchanged for bearer New
Unsecured Securities.

Defaults and Remedies

            Unless the bond resolution establishing the terms of
a series otherwise provides, an "Event of Default" with respect
to a series of New Unsecured Securities will occur if:

      (1)   the Company defaults in any payment of interest on
            any New Unsecured Securities of the series when the
            same becomes due and payable and the Default contin-
            ues for a period of 60 days;

      (2)   the Company defaults in the payment of the principal
            of any New Unsecured Securities of the series when


  
<PAGE>
                                   -19-



            the same becomes due and payable at maturity or upon
            redemption, acceleration or otherwise;

      (3)   the Company defaults in the payment or satisfaction
            of any sinking fund obligation with respect to any
            New Unsecured Securities of a series as required by
            the resolution establishing such series and the
            Default continues for a period of 60 days;

      (4)   the Company defaults in the performance of any of its
            other agreements applicable to the series and the
            Default continues for 90 days after the notice speci-
            fied below;

      (5)   the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any
            Bankruptcy Law:

            (A)   commences a voluntary case,

            (B)   consents to the entry of an order for relief
                  against it in an involuntary case,

            (C)   consents to the appointment of a Custodian for
                  it or for all or substantially all of its prop-
                  erty, or

            (D)   makes a general assignment for the benefit of
                  its creditors;

      (6)   a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or
            decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

            (A)   is for relief against the Company in an involun-
                  tary case,

            (B)   appoints a Custodian for the Company or for all
                  or substantially all of its property, or

            (C)   orders the liquidation of the Company;

            and the order or decree remains unstayed and in
            effect for 60 days; or

      (7)   any other Event of Default provided for in the
            series.




  
<PAGE>
                                   -20-



            The term "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, U.S. Code
or any similar Federal or State law for the relief of debtors.
The term "Custodian" means any receiver, trustee, assignee,
liquidator or a similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

            A Default under clause (4) is not an Event of Default
until the Unsecured Securities Trustee or the Holders of at
least 25% in principal amount of the series notify the Company
of the Default and the Company does not cure the Default within
the time specified after receipt of the notice (Indenture
Section 6.01).  The Unsecured Securities Trustee may require indem-
nity satisfactory to it before it enforces the Indenture or the
New Unsecured Securities of the series.  Subject to certain
limitations, holders of a majority in principal amount of the
New Unsecured Securities of the series may direct the Unsecured
Securities Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power
(Indenture Section 6.05).  The Unsecured Securities Trustee may with-
hold from the New Unsecured Securityholders of the series
notice of any continuing default (except a default in payment
of principal or interest) if it determines that withholding
notice is in their interest (Indenture Section 7.04).

            The Indenture does not have a cross-default provi-
sion.  Thus, unless the bond resolution providing for a new
series otherwise provides, a default by the Company on any
other debt (including any other series of New Unsecured Securi-
ties) would not constitute an Event of Default.

Amendments and Waivers

            Unless the bond resolution establishing the terms of
a series otherwise provides, the Indenture and the New Unse-
cured Securities or any coupons of the series may be amended,
and any default may be waived as follows:  The New Unsecured
Securities and the Indenture may be amended with the consent of
the holders of a majority in principal amount of the New Unse-
cured Securities of all series affected voting as one class.  A
default on a series may be waived with the consent of the hold-
ers of a majority in principal amount of the New Unsecured
Securities of the series.  However, without the consent of each
New Unsecured Securityholder affected, no amendment or waiver
may (1) reduce the amount of New Unsecured Securities whose
holders must consent to an amendment or waiver, (2) reduce the
interest on or change the time for payment of interest on a New
Unsecured Security, (3) change the fixed maturity of any New
Unsecured Security, (4) reduce the principal of any
non-Discounted New Unsecured Security or reduce the amount of


  
<PAGE>
                                   -21-



principal of any Discounted New Unsecured Security that would
be due on acceleration thereof, (5) change the currency in
which principal or interest on a New Unsecured Security is pay-
able, (6) make any change that materially adversely affects the right to
convert any New Unsecured Security, or (7) waive any default in
payment of interest on or principal of a New Unsecured Secu-
rity.  Without the consent of any New Unsecured Securityholder,
the Indenture, the New Unsecured Securities or any coupons may
be amended to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsis-
tency; to provide for assumption of Company obligations to New
Unsecured Securityholders in the event of a merger or consoli-
dation requiring such assumption; to provide that specific pro-
visions of the Indenture not apply to a series of New Unsecured
Securities not previously issued; to create a series and estab-
lish its terms; to provide for a separate trustee for one or
more series; or to make any change that does not materially
adversely affect the rights of any New Unsecured Securityholder
(Indenture Article 9).

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

            New Unsecured Securities of a series may be defeased
in accordance with their terms and, unless the bond resolution
establishing the terms of the series otherwise provides, as set
forth below.  The Company at any time may terminate as to a
series all of its obligations (except for certain obligations
with respect to the defeasance trust and obligations to regis-
ter the transfer or exchange of a New Unsecured Security, to
replace destroyed, lost or stolen New Unsecured Securities and
coupons and to maintain agencies in respect of the New Unse-
cured Securities) with respect to the New Unsecured Securities
of the series and any related coupons and the Indenture ("legal
defeasance").  The Company may at any time terminate as to a
series its obligations with respect to the New Unsecured Secu-
rities under any restrictive covenants which may be applicable
to a particular series ("covenant defeasance").

            The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option
notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance
option.  If the Company exercises its legal defeasance option,
a series may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default.
If the Company exercises its covenant defeasance option, a
series may not be accelerated by reference to any restrictive
covenant which may be applicable to a particular series so
defeased under the terms of the series.




  
<PAGE>
                                   -22-



            To exercise either defeasance option as to a series,
the Company must deposit in trust (the "defeasance trust") with
the Unsecured Securities Trustee money or U.S. Government Obli-
gations for the payment of principal, premium, if any, and
interest on the New Unsecured Securities of the series to
redemption or maturity and must comply with certain other con-
ditions.  In particular, the Company must obtain an opinion of
tax counsel that the defeasance will not result in recognition
of any gain or loss to holders for Federal income tax purposes.
"U.S. Government Obligations" are direct obligations of the
United States of America which have the full faith and credit
of the United States of America pledged for payment and which
are not callable at the issuer's option, or certificates repre-
senting an ownership interest in such obligations (Indenture
Article 8).


                          BOOK-ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM

            The New Bonds and New Unsecured Securities of any
series may be issued initially in the form of one or more glo-
bal securities under a book-entry only system operated by a
securities depository.  Unless otherwise specified in the Pro-
spectus Supplement, The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") will
act as securities depository for the New Bonds and New Unse-
cured Securities, which would be registered in the name of Cede
& Co., as registered securityholder and nominee for DTC.  Indi-
vidual purchases of Book-Entry Interests (as herein defined) in
any such New Bonds or New Unsecured Securities will be made in
book-entry form.  Purchasers of Book-Entry Interests in such
New Bonds or New Unsecured Securities will not receive certifi-
cates representing their interests in such New Bonds or New
Unsecured Securities.  So long as Cede & Co., as nominee of
DTC, is the securityholder, references herein to holders of the
New Bonds or New Unsecured Securities or registered owners will
mean Cede & Co., rather than the owners of Book-Entry Interests
in New Bonds or New Unsecured Securities.

             DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized
under the banking laws of the State of New York and a "banking
organization" within the meaning of that law, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clear-
ing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section
17A of the Exchange Act.  DTC holds securities deposited by its
participants (the "DTC Participants") and facilitates the
settlement of securities transactions among DTC Participants in


  
<PAGE>
                                   -23-



such securities through electronic computerized book-entry
changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminat-
ing the need for physical movement of securities certificates.
Direct DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers,
banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other
organizations, some of whom (including, possibly, the under-
writers with respect to the New Bonds or New Unsecured Securi-
ties), together with the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the
American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., own DTC.  Access to the DTC system is
also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and
trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indi-
rectly (the "Indirect Participants").

            DTC Participants purchasing Book-Entry Interests (as
defined below) in any New Bonds or New Unsecured Securities
will not receive certificates.  Each DTC Participant will
receive a credit balance in the records of DTC in the amount of
such DTC Participant's interest in such New Bonds or New Unse-
cured Securities, which will be confirmed in accordance with
DTC's standard procedures.  The ownership interest of each
actual purchaser of a Book-Entry Interest in a New Bond or New
Unsecured Security (the "Book-Entry Interests") will be
recorded through the records of the DTC Participant or through
the records of the Indirect Participant.  Owners of Book-Entry
Interests should receive from the DTC Participant or Indirect
Participant a written confirmation of their purchase providing
details of the Book-Entry Interests acquired.  Transfers of
Book-Entry Interests will be accomplished by book entries made
by the DTC Participants or Indirect Participants who act on
behalf of the owners of Book-Entry Interests.  Owners of
Book-Entry Interests will not receive certificates representing
their ownership of Book-Entry Interests with respect to any New
Bonds or New Unsecured Securities except as described below
upon the resignation of DTC.

            Under the Mortgage and Indenture, payments made by
the Bond Trustee or the Unsecured Securities Trustee (collec-
tively, the "Trustees" and individually, the "Trustee") to DTC
or its nominee will satisfy the Company's obligations under the
Mortgage or Indenture, as the case may be, to the extent of the
payments so made.  Owners of Book-Entry Interests will not be
or be considered by the Company or the respective Trustee to
be, and will not have any rights as, holders of New Bonds under
the Mortgage or New Unsecured Securities under the Indenture,
as the case may be.


  
<PAGE>
                                   -24-



            NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR ANY TRUSTEE UNDER THE MORT-
GAGE AND INDENTURE WILL HAVE ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR OBLIGATION
TO ANY DTC PARTICIPANT, INDIRECT PARTICIPANT OR ANY OWNER OF A
BOOK-ENTRY INTEREST OR ANY OTHER PERSON NOT SHOWN ON THE REGIS-
TRATION BOOKS OF SUCH TRUSTEE AS BEING A HOLDER OF NEW BONDS OR
NEW UNSECURED SECURITIES WITH RESPECT TO: (1) ANY NEW BONDS OR
NEW UNSECURED SECURITIES, AS THE CASE MAY BE; (2) THE ACCURACY
OF ANY RECORDS MAINTAINED BY DTC OR ANY DTC PARTICIPANT OR
INDIRECT PARTICIPANT; (3) THE PAYMENT BY DTC OR ANY DTC PAR-
TICIPANT OR INDIRECT PARTICIPANT OF ANY AMOUNT DUE TO ANY OWNER
OF A BOOK-ENTRY INTEREST IN RESPECT OF THE PRINCIPAL OR REDEMP-
TION PRICE OF OR INTEREST ON SUCH NEW BONDS OR NEW UNSECURED
SECURITIES; (4) THE DELIVERY BY DTC OR ANY DTC PARTICIPANT OR
INDIRECT PARTICIPANT OF ANY NOTICE TO ANY OWNER OF A BOOK-ENTRY
INTEREST WHICH IS REQUIRED OR PERMITTED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE
MORTGAGE OR INDENTURE TO BE GIVEN TO HOLDERS OF NEW BONDS OR
NEW UNSECURED SECURITIES; (5) THE SELECTION OF THE OWNERS OF A
BOOK-ENTRY INTEREST TO RECEIVE PAYMENT IN THE EVENT OF ANY PAR-
TIAL REDEMPTION OF ANY NEW BONDS OR NEW UNSECURED SECURITIES;
OR (6) ANY CONSENT GIVEN OR OTHER ACTION TAKEN BY DTC OR ITS
NOMINEE AS HOLDER OF NEW BONDS OR NEW UNSECURED SECURITIES.

            Principal and redemption price of, and interest pay-
ments on, New Bonds and New Unsecured Securities registered in
the name of DTC or its nominee will be made to DTC or such nom-
inee, as registered owner of such New Bonds or New Unsecured
Securities.  DTC is responsible for disbursing such payments to
the appropriate DTC Participants and such DTC Participants, and
any Indirect Participants, are in turn responsible for disburs-
ing the same to the owners of Book-Entry Interests.  Unless it
has reason to believe it will not receive payment, DTC's cur-
rent practice is to credit the accounts of the DTC Participants
on a payment date in accordance with their respective holdings
shown on the records of DTC.  Payments by DTC Participants and
Indirect Participants to owners of Book-Entry Interests will be
governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as
is now the case with securities held for the accounts of cus-
tomers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and will
be the responsibility of such DTC Participant or Indirect Par-
ticipant and not of DTC, the Company or the respective Trustee,
subject to any statutory and regulatory requirements as may be
in effect from time to time.

            DTC Participants and Indirect Participants carry the
"position" of the ultimate Book-Entry Interest owner on their
records, and will be responsible for providing information to
the ultimate Book-Entry Interest owner as to the New Bonds or


  
<PAGE>
                                   -25-



New Unsecured Securities in which the Book-Entry Interest is
held, debt service payments received, and other information.
Each person for whom a DTC Participant or Indirect Participant
acquires an interest in New Bonds or New Unsecured Securities,
as nominee, may desire to make arrangements with such DTC Par-
ticipant or Indirect Participant to receive a credit balance in
the records of such DTC Participant or Indirect Participant, to
have all notices of redemption or other communications to or by
DTC which may affect such persons forwarded in writing by such
DTC Participant or Indirect Participant, and to have notifica-
tion made of all debt service payments.

            Purchases, transfers and sales of Book-Entry Inter-
ests by the ultimate Book-Entry Interest owners may be made
through book entries made by DTC Participants or Indirect Par-
ticipants or others who act for the ultimate Book-Entry Inter-
est owner.  The Bonds Trustee, the Unsecured Securities Trus-
tee, the Company and the underwriters, as such, have no role in
those purchases, transfers or sales.

            Owners of Book-Entry Interests may be charged a sum
sufficient to cover any tax, fee, or other governmental charge
that may be imposed in relation to any transfer or exchange of
a Book-Entry Interest.

            Each Trustee will recognize and treat DTC (or any
successor securities depository) or its nominee as the holder
of New Bonds and New Unsecured Securities registered in its
name or the name of its nominee for all purposes, including
payment of debt service, notices, enforcement of remedies and
voting.  Under DTC's current practice, a proxy will be given to
the DTC Participants holding Book-Entry Interests in New Bonds
and New Unsecured Securities in connection with any matter on
which holders of such New Bonds or New Unsecured Securities are
asked to vote or give their consent.  Crediting of debt service
payments and transmittal of notices and other communications by
DTC to DTC Participants, by DTC Participants to Indirect Par-
ticipants and by DTC Participants and Indirect Participants to
the ultimate Book-Entry Interest owners are the responsibility
of those persons and will be handled by arrangements among them
and are not the responsibility of either Trustee, the Company
or any underwriter, as such.

            Each Trustee, so long as a book-entry system is used
for any series of New Bonds or New Unsecured Securities, will
send any notice of redemption and any other notices required by
the Mortgage or Indenture to be sent to holders of such New


  
<PAGE>
                                   -26-



Bonds or New Unsecured Securities, respectively, only to DTC
(or such successor securities depository) or its nominee.  Any
failure of DTC to advise any DTC Participant, or of any DTC
Participant or Indirect Participant to notify the Book-Entry
Interest owner, of any such notice and its content or effect
will not affect the validity of the redemption of the New Bonds
or New Unsecured Securities called for redemption, or any other
action premised on that notice.  In the event of a call for
redemption, the Trustee's notification to DTC will initiate
DTC's standard call process, and, in the event of a partial
call, its lottery process by which the call will be randomly
allocated to DTC Participants holding positions in the New
Bonds or New Unsecured Securities to be redeemed.  When DTC and
DTC Participants allocate the call for redemption, the owners
of the Book-Entry Interests that have been called should be
notified by the broker or other person responsible for main-
taining the records of those interests and subsequently cred-
ited by that person with the proceeds once such New Bonds or
New Unsecured Securities are redeemed.

            The Company, the Bond Trustee, the Unsecured Securi-
ties Trustee and any underwriter or agent cannot and do not
give any assurances that DTC, DTC Participants or others will
distribute payments of debt service on New Bonds or New Unse-
cured Securities made to DTC or its nominee as the registered
owner, or any redemption or other notices, to the Book-Entry
Interest owners, or that they will do so on a timely basis, or
that DTC will serve and act in the manner described in this
Prospectus.

            The Company understands that the current "Rules"
applicable to DTC are on file with the Commission, and that the
current "Procedures" of DTC to be followed in dealing with DTC
Participants are on file with DTC.

            If DTC is at any time unwilling or unable to continue
as depository, and a successor depository is not appointed by
the Company within 90 days, the Company will issue individual
certificates to owners of Book-Entry Interests in exchange for
the New Bonds or New Unsecured Securities held by DTC or its
nominee, as the case may be.  In such instance, an owner of a
Book-Entry Interest will be entitled to physical delivery of
certificates equal in principal amount to such Book-Entry
Interest and to have such certificates registered in its name.
Individual certificates so issued will be issued in denomina-
tions of $1,000 or any multiple thereof.



  
<PAGE>
                                   -27-



            Neither the Company, the Bond Trustee, the Unsecured
Securities Trustee nor any underwriter makes any representation
as to the accuracy of the above description of DTC's business,
organization and procedures, which is based upon information
furnished by DTC.

                           PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

            The Company may sell the Securities in any of the
following ways:  (i) through underwriters or dealers; (ii)
directly to one or more purchasers; or (iii) through agents.
The applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth the terms
of the offering of any Securities, including the names of any
underwriters or agents, the purchase price of such Securities
and the proceeds to the Company from such sale, any underwrit-
ing discounts and other items constituting underwriters' com-
pensation, any initial public offering price, any discounts or
concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers and any
securities exchanges on which such Securities may be listed.

            If underwriters are used in the sale of the Securi-
ties, such Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for
their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or
more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a
fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at
the time of sale.  Such Securities may be offered to the public
either through underwriting syndicates represented by managing
underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate.  Unless
otherwise set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
the obligations of the underwriters to purchase such Securities
will be subject to certain conditions precedent, and the under-
writers will be obligated to purchase all of such Securities if
any of such Securities are purchased.  Any initial public
offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or
reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
Only underwriters named in a Prospectus Supplement are deemed
to be underwriters in connection with the Securities offered
thereby.

            Securities also may be sold directly by the Company
or through agents designated by the Company from time to time.
Any agent involved in the offer or sale of Securities will be
named and any commissions payable by the Company to such agent
will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supple-
ment, any such agent will act on a best efforts basis for the
period of its appointment.


  
<PAGE>
                                   -28-



            If so indicated in a Prospectus Supplement with
respect to the Securities, the Company will authorize agents,
underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by certain institu-
tions to purchase such Securities from the Company at the pub-
lic offering price set forth in the Prospectus Supplement pur-
suant to Delayed Delivery Contracts ("Contracts") providing for
payment and delivery on the date or dates stated in the Pro-
spectus Supplement.  Each Contract will be for an amount not
less than, and the aggregate amount of the Securities sold pur-
suant to the Contracts shall be not less nor more than, the
respective amounts stated in the Prospectus Supplement.  Insti-
tutions with whom the Contracts, when authorized, may be made
include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pen-
sion funds, investment companies, educational and charitable
institutions, and other institutions, but will in all cases be
subject to the approval of the Company.  The Contracts will not
be subject to any conditions except (i) the purchase by an
institution of the Securities covered by its Contract shall not
at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any
jurisdiction in the United States to which such institution is
subject, and (ii) if the Securities are being sold to under-
writers, the Company shall have sold to such underwriters the
total amount of the Securities less the amount thereof covered
by the Contracts.  The underwriters will not have any responsi-
bility in respect of the validity or performance of the
Contracts.

            If dealers are utilized in the sale of any Securi-
ties, the Company will sell such Securities to the dealers, as
principal.  Any dealer may then resell such Securities to the
public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the
time of resale.  The name of any dealer and the terms of the
transaction will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement with
respect to such Securities being offered thereby.

            It has not been determined whether any of the Securi-
ties will be listed on a securities exchange.  Underwriters
will not be obligated to make a market in any of the Securi-
ties.  The Company cannot predict the activity of trading in,
or liquidity of, any of the Securities.

            Any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in
the distribution of Securities may be deemed to be underwriters
and any discounts or commissions received by them on the sale
or resale of Securities may be deemed to be underwriting dis-
counts and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act").  Agents and underwriters may be


  
<PAGE>
                                   -29-



entitled under agreements entered into with the Company to
indemnification by the Company against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribu-
tion with respect to payments that the agents, or underwriters
may be required to make in respect thereof.  Agents and under-
writers may be customers of, engaged in transactions with, or
perform service for, the Company or its affiliates in the ordi-
nary course of business.


                              LEGAL OPINIONS

            Certain legal matters in connection with the Securi-
ties are being passed upon for the Company by Hinkle, Cox,
Eaton, Coffield & Hensley, L.L.P., Amarillo, Texas, and Cahill
Gordon & Reindel, a partnership including a professional corpo-
ration, New York, New York.  Cahill Gordon & Reindel is not
passing upon the incorporation of the Company and is relying
upon the opinions of Hinkle, Cox, Eaton, Coffield & Hensley,
L.L.P. as to matters of New Mexico and Texas law; Rainey, Ross,
Rice & Binns, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma as to matters of Oklahoma
law; and Foulston & Siefkin, Topeka, Kansas as to matters of
Kansas law.  Gary W. Wolf, a partner in the law firm of Cahill
Gordon & Reindel, is a director of the Company.


                                  EXPERTS

            The consolidated financial statements of Southwestern
Public Service Company and subsidiaries as of August 31, 1995
and 1994 and for the years then ended included in the Company's
1995 Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference, have
been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP ("Deloitte & Touche"),
independent certified public accountants, as stated in their
report, which is also incorporated herein by reference, and
have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such
firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.

            With respect to any unaudited interim financial
information included in the Company's quarterly reports on Form
10-Q that are or will be incorporated herein by reference,
Deloitte & Touche applies limited procedures in accordance with
professional standards for reviews of such information.  As
stated in any of its reports that are included in the Company's
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that are or will be incorporated
herein by reference, Deloitte & Touche did not audit and did


  
<PAGE>
                                   -30-



not express an opinion on such interim financial information.
Accordingly, the degree of reliance on any of Deloitte & Tou-
che's reports on such information should be restricted in light
of the limited nature of the review procedures applied.
Deloitte & Touche is not subject to the liability provisions of
Section 11 of the Securities Act for any of its reports on such
unaudited interim financial information because those reports
are not "reports" or a "part" of the Registration Statement
filed under the Securities Act with respect to the New Pre-
ferred Stock or the New Bonds or New Unsecured Securities pre-
pared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sec-
tions 7 and 11 of the Securities Act.

            The consolidated financial statements of Southwestern
Public Service Company and subsidiaries for the year ended
August 31, 1993 included in the Company's 1995 Form 10-K, which
is incorporated herein by reference, are incorporated herein in
reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent
certified public accountants, included in the 1995 Form 10-K,
and upon the authority of that firm as experts in accounting
and auditing.

            To the extent that a firm of certified public accoun-
tants audits and reports on the financial statements of the
Company issued at future dates, and consents to the use of
their report thereon, such financial statements also will be
incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon their report
and said authority.

            The statements and legal conclusions as to all mat-
ters of law in the Company's 1995 Form 10-K, the November Quar-
terly Report, the February Quarterly Report and this Prospectus
(except as to matters of Kansas and Oklahoma law in such docu-
ments) have been reviewed by Hinkle, Cox, Eaton, Coffield &
Hensley, L.L.P.  Statements and legal conclusions as to matters
of Oklahoma law in such documents have been reviewed by Rainey,
Ross, Rice & Binns.  Statements and legal conclusions as to
matters of Kansas law in such documents have been reviewed by
Foulston & Siefkin.  All such statements and legal conclusions
are set forth in such documents and incorporated by reference
herein or set forth herein in reliance upon said firms, respec-
tively, as experts.







  
<PAGE>



No dealer, salesman, or any other                     SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC
person has been authorized to give                      SERVICE COMPANY
any information or to make any
representations other than those
contained in this Prospectus, in-
cluding any prospectus supplement
in connection with the offer con-
tained in this Prospectus, and, if
given or made, such information or
representations must not be relied
upon as having been authorized by
the Company or any underwriter,
dealer, or agent.  This Prospectus
does not constitute an offer to
sell or a solicitation of an offer                       $220,000,000
to buy any of these securities in
any jurisdiction to any person to                       DEBT SECURITIES
whom it is unlawful to make such
offer or solicitation in such juris-                          and
diction.  Neither the delivery of
this Prospectus nor any sale made                        PREFERRED STOCK
hereunder shall, under any circum-
stances, create any implication
that there has been no change in
the affairs of the Company since
the date hereof.
                                                            __________
            _______________                                 PROSPECTUS

          TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                      Page
Available Information...............    3
Incorporation of Certain
  Documents by Reference............    3
The Company.........................    4
Use of Proceeds.....................    5
Earnings Ratios.....................    5
Description of New Preferred
  Stock.............................    5
Description of New Bonds............    9
Description of New Unsecured
  Securities........................   14
Book-Entry Only System .............   22
Plan of Distribution................   27
Legal Opinions......................   29          Dated        , 1996
Experts.............................   29





  
<PAGE>

                                  PART II

                  INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


Item 14.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

      Securities and Exchange Commission
         Registration Fee ..............................  $ 51,724
      Counsel Fees and Expenses ........................   200,000(1)
      Services of Independent Accountants ..............    40,000(1)
      Trustee's Fees and Expenses ......................    25,000(1)(2)
      Printing Expenses, including Engraving ...........    55,000(1)
      Debt Securities Rating Fees.......................    85,000(1)(2)
      Blue Sky Fees and Expenses .......................    10,000(1)
      Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees.................     7,500(1)(3)
      Miscellaneous Expenses ...........................    10,776(1)
                                                          --------
                  Total ................................  $485,000(1)
____________________
(1)   Estimated assuming one Prospectus Supplement.
(2)   Required only if Debt Securities are issued.
(3)   Required only if New Preferred Stock is issued.


Item 15.  Idemnification of Directors and Officers.

            Section 53-11-4.1 of the New Mexico Business Corpora-
tion Act (the "NMBCA") empowers a corporation to indemnify any
officer or director against judgments, penalties, fines, set-
tlements, and reasonable expenses actually incurred by the per-
son in connection with any threatened, pending, or completed
action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, adminis-
trative, or investigative, if the person acted in good faith
and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the corporation, and with respect to a
criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the
person's conduct was unlawful.  This section empowers a corpo-
ration to maintain insurance or furnish similar protection,
including, but not limited to, providing a trust fund, a letter
of credit, or self-insurance, on behalf of any officer or
director against any liability asserted against the person in
such capacity whether or not the corporation would have the
power to indemnify the person against such liability under the
provisions of this section.

            The indemnification authorized by Section 53-11-4.1
is not exclusive of any other rights to which an officer or


                                   II-1
  
<PAGE>
director may be entitled under the articles of incorporation,
the bylaws, an agreement, a resolution of shareholders or
directors or otherwise.

            Article Sixth of the Restated Articles of Incorpora-
tion of the Company provides that a director of the Company
shall not be personally liable to the Company or to the share-
holders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as
a director unless such director has breached or failed to per-
form the duties of his or her office in accordance with the
NMBCA, and the breach or failure to perform constitutes negli-
gence, willful misconduct, or recklessness.

            Article IV of the Bylaws of the Company requires the
Company, to the fullest extent permitted by the NMBCA, to pay
or reimburse expenses, liabilities, and losses incurred by an
officer or director involved in any action, suit, or proceed-
ing, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative
by reason of the fact that such person is or was serving as an
officer or director of the Company.

            The Bylaws also require the Company to pay or reim-
burse all covered expenses to an officer or director promptly
upon receipt of a written claim and, where the claimant seeks
an advancement of expenses, an undertaking by or on behalf of
the person to repay such amounts if it should ultimately be
determined by a court of final jurisdiction that such person is
not entitled to indemnification.

            The Company has entered into indemnity agreements
with each officer and director of the Company.  These contracts
provide for the advancement of expenses (including attorneys'
fees) incurred or to be incurred by an officer or director in
connection with a proceeding.  The contracts also provide for
indemnification of such persons against expenses, liabilities,
and losses.

            Pursuant to each director's indemnity agreement, the
Company keeps in effect a letter of credit in the face amount
of $5,000,000 obtained from a commercial bank for the benefit
of all directors who are a party to an indemnity agreement.  A
director who has incurred or may incur expenses in connection
with a proceeding prior to the final disposition of such a pro-
ceeding for any reason may request an independent trustee to
draw upon the letter of credit for the payment or advancement
of such expenses.  Upon such request, the trustee will draw
upon the letter of credit and deliver such funds to such
director.




                                   II-2
  
<PAGE>
            The Company is insured up to $25,000,000 against loss
in excess of $200,000 because of any claim made against the
Company or its officers or directors and alleged to have been
caused by any negligent act, error, omission, or breach of duty
by its officers or directors.  The insurance is subject to cer-
tain exclusions.

Item 16.  Exhibits.

            Reference is made to the Exhibit Index filed as part
of this Registration Statement.

Item 17.  Undertakings.

            The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

            (1)   To file, during any period in which offers or
      sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
      Registration Statement:

                  (i)  To include any prospectus required by Sec-
            tion 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as
            amended (the "Securities Act");

                 (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or
            events arising after the effective date of the Regis-
            tration Statement (or the most recent post-effective
            amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
            aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
            information set forth in the Registration Statement;
            notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
            decrease in volume of securities being offered (if
            the total dollar value of securities offered would
            not exceed that which was registered) and any devia-
            tion from the low or high end of the estimated maxi-
            mum offering range may be reflected in the form of
            prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule
            424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
            and price represent no more than a 20% change in the
            maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
            "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effec-
            tive registration statement;

                (iii)  To include any material information with
            respect to the plan of distribution not previously
            disclosed in the Registration Statement or any mate-
            rial change to such information in the Registration
            Statement.  




                                   II-3
  
<PAGE>
Provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not
apply if the Registration Statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8,
and the information required to be included in a post-effective
amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports
filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act") that
are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

            (2)   That, for the purpose of determining any lia-
      bility under the Securities Act, each such post-effective
      amendment shall be deemed to be a new Registration State-
      ment relating to the securities offered therein, and the
      offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
      to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

            (3)   To remove from registration by means of a post-
      effective amendment any of the securities being registered
      which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

            The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that,
for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each filing of Registrant's annual report pursuant to Sec-
tion 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the 1934 Act that is incorpo-
rated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the secu-
rities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at
that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.

            Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising
under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, offic-
ers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the
provisions described under Item 15 above, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securi-
ties and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, there-
fore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnifi-
cation against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by control-
ling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against pub-
lic policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be gov-
erned by the final adjudication of such issue.




                                   II-4
  
<PAGE>
            The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file
an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility
of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of
the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regu-
lations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of
the Trust Indenture Act.














































                                   II-5
  
<PAGE>
                                SIGNATURES

            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, Southwestern Public Service Company, the Reg-
istrant, certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3
and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunder duly authorized, in
the City of Amarillo, and the State of Texas, on the 3rd day of
June, 1996.

                                    SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
                                               (Registrant)


                                    By:  /s/ Bill D. Helton  
                                        --------------------------------    
                                          Bill D. Helton
                                          Chairman of the Board and
                                            Chief Executive Officer


            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed
below by the following persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.

          Signature                Title                 Date

Principal Executive and            Chairman of the       June 3, 1996
  Financial Officer and            Board and Chief
  Director:                        Executive Officer


/s/ Bill D. Helton      
- --------------------------
 Bill D. Helton


Principal Accounting Officer:      Executive Vice        June 3, 1996
                                   President,
                                   Accounting and
                                   Corporate
                                   Development
                                   


/s/ Doyle R. Bunch, II 
- ----------------------------
 Doyle R. Bunch, II





  
<PAGE>



Directors:

Gene H. Bishop*                  )
C. Coney Burgess*                )
J. C. Chambers*                  )
Danny H. Conklin*                )
Giles M. Forbess*                ) Directors             June 3, 1996
R. R. Hemminghaus*               )
Don Maddox*                      )
J. Howard Mock*                  )
Shirley Bird Perry*              )
David M. Wilks*                  )
Gary W. Wolf*                    )


*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this
Registration Statement pursuant to the Powers of Attorney executed by the
above-named officers and directors of the Company and which are being filed
herewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of such
officers and directors.



By: /s/ Bill D. Helton
    -----------------------------
         Bill D. Helton
         Attorney-in-Fact























  
<PAGE>

                             INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number                             Exhibit
- -------                            -------

 1(a)   -  Form of Standard Purchase Provisions relating to
            the New Preferred Stock.
 1(b)   -  Form of Standard Purchase Provisions relating to
            the New Bonds.
 1(c)   -  Form of Standard Purchase Provisions relating to
            the New Unsecured Securities.
 3(a)   -  Restated Articles of Incorporation effective
            February 1 (exhibit 3(i) Form 8-K filed
            February 26, 1996).*
 3(b)   -  Bylaws (exhibit 3(e) Form 10-K for year ended
            August 31, 1991).*
 4(a)   -  First Mortgage Indenture dated August 1, 1946
            (exhibit 7-A Registration No. 2-6910).*
 4(b)   -  Supplemental Indentures dated: December 1, 1946
            (exhibit 7-B Registration No. 2-6910);
            November 1, 1947 (exhibit 7-C Registration No.
            2-7356); January 20, 1948 (exhibit 7-G Registra-
            tion No. 2-7356); February 1, 1949 (exhibit 7-E
            Registration No. 2-7833); December 1, 1949
            (exhibit 7-F Registration No. 2-8235); February
            1, 1950 (exhibit 7-G Registration No. 2-8754);
            January 1, 1951 (exhibit 7-H Registration No.
            2-8754); January 1, 1952 (exhibit 4-J Registra-
            tion No. 2-9379); February 1, 1953 (exhibit 4-J
            Registration No. 2-10639); February 1, 1954
            (exhibit 4-K Registration No. 2-10639); June 1,
            1954 (exhibit 4-M Registration No. 2-10992); Feb-
            ruary 1, 1956 (exhibit 4-N Registration No.
            2-12252); October 1, 1959 (exhibit A Form 8-K for
            November 1959); February 1, 1961 (exhibit 4-O
            Registration No. 2-17578); January 1, 1963
            (exhibit 2-P Registration No. 2-21020); February
            1, 1964 (exhibit 2-Q Registration No. 2-22089);
            February 1, 1965 (exhibit 2-R Registration No.
            2-23178); February 1, 1967 (exhibit 2-S Registra-
            tion No. 2-25983); October 1, 1970 (exhibit 2-T
            Registration No. 2-38566); May 1, 1971 (exhibit
            3-U Registration No. 2-40266); October 1, 1972
            (exhibit 2-V Registration No. 2-45965); February
            1, 1975 (exhibit 3 Form 8-K for December 1975);
            February 1, 1976 (exhibit 1 Form 8-K for March
            1976); February 9, 1977 (exhibit 2-Y Registration


  
<PAGE>
                                                             
Exhibit                             
Number                            Exhibit
- -------                           -------

            No. 2-58209); March 1, 1977 (exhibit 1 Form 10-Q
            for quarter ended May 31, 1977); March 1, 1978
            (exhibit 1 Form 10-Q for quarter ended May 31,
            1978); March 1, 1979 (exhibit b(28) Registration
            No. 2-64022); April 1, 1979 (exhibit 1 Form 10-Q
            for quarter ended May 31, 1979); June 1, 1980
            (exhibit 2 Form 10-Q for quarter ended May 31,
            1980); two dated October 1, 1981 (exhibit 4(c)
            Form 8-K dated February 5, 1982); July 1, 1982
            (exhibit 1 Form 8-K dated October 22, 1982); two
            dated April 1, 1983 (exhibit 4(a) Form 10-Q for
            quarter ended May 31, 1983); February 1, 1985
            (exhibit 4(c) Form 10-K for 1985); April 1, 1986
            (exhibit 4(a) Form 10-Q for quarter ended
            February 28, 1986); June 1, 1987 (exhibit 4(h)
            Registration No. 33-4134); two dated July 15,
            1992 (exhibit 4(a) Form 10-K for fiscal year
            ended August 31, 1992); two dated December 1,
            1992 (exhibit 4 Form 10-Q for quarter ended
            February 28, 1993); and February 15, 1995
            (exhibit 4 Form 10-Q for quarter ended
            February 28, 1995).*
 4(c)   -  Supplemental Indenture date March 1, 1996.
 4(d)   -  Form of Supplemental Indenture (form of New Bond
            included in Supplemental Indenture).
 4(e)   -  Form of Specimen Certificate representing the New
            Preferred Stock.
 4(f)   -  Form of Indenture relating to the New Unsecured
            Securities, including Forms of New Unsecured
            Securities.
 5      -  Opinion of Hinkle, Cox, Eaton, Coffield &
            Hensley, L.L.P., counsel for the Company.
12      -  Statements re Computation of Ratios of Earnings
            to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Com-
            bined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividend
            Requirements (exhibit 12 Form 10-K for fiscal
            year ended August 31, 1995 and exhibit 12 Form
            10-Q for quarter ended February 29, 1996).*
15      -  Letter re Unaudited Interim Financial
            Information.
23(a)   -  Consent of Hinkle, Cox, Eaton, Coffield &
            Hensley, L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5).
23(b)  -    Consent of Foulston & Siefkin.
23(c)  -    Consent of Rainey, Ross, Rice & Binns.
23(d)   -  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent
            certified public accountants.

                                    -2-
<PAGE>
                                                             
Exhibit                             
Number                             Exhibit
- -------                            -------


23(e)   -  Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent
            certified public accountants.
24      -  Powers of Attorney.
25(a)   -  Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under
            the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (on Form T-1) of
            Chemical Bank, Trustee.
25(b)   -  Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under
            the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (on Form T-1) of
            Unsecured Securities Trustee (to be filed by
            amendment or pursuant to Form 8-K).
____________________
*     Incorporated herein by reference.



































                                    -3-
  


                                                   Exhibit 1(a)















              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

                        PREFERRED STOCK
                 STANDARD PURCHASE PROVISIONS

                           INCLUDING

                  FORM OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT





























     
<PAGE>
              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
                 STANDARD PURCHASE PROVISIONS -  
                       PREFERRED STOCK           


          From time to time, Southwestern Public Service Com-
pany, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of
the State of New Mexico (the "Company") may enter into purchase
agreements that provide for the sale of designated securities
to the purchaser or purchasers named therein.  The standard
provisions set forth herein may be incorporated by reference in
any such purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement").  The
Purchase Agreement, including the provisions incorporated
therein by reference, is herein sometimes referred to as "this
Agreement."  The term "Preferred Stock" shall mean the Pre-
ferred Stock of the Company.  Unless otherwise defined herein,
terms defined in the Purchase Agreement are used herein as
therein defined.

          The Company has filed, in accordance with the provi-
sions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
thereunder (collectively called the "Act"), with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), a registration
statement on Form S-3 (including a prospectus), relating to the
Company's First Mortgage Bonds, Unsecured Debt Securities and
Preferred Stock, which pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 incorpo-
rates by reference documents which the Company has filed in
accordance with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder
(collectively called the "Exchange Act").  Such registration
statement has been declared effective by the Commission.
Promptly upon the execution of this Agreement, the Company will
prepare a prospectus supplement relating to the Preferred Stock
to be sold by the Company pursuant to the applicable Purchase
Agreement (the "Prospectus Supplement").  The Company has fur-
nished to you, for use by the Underwriters (as defined herein)
and dealers, copies of one or more preliminary prospectuses and
the documents so incorporated therein (each thereof, including
the documents so incorporated therein, is herein called the
"Preliminary Prospectus").  The terms Registration Statement
and Prospectus shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the
Purchase Agreement.

          1.   Introductory.  The Company proposes to issue and
sell from time to time Preferred Stock registered under the
Registration Statement.  Each series of Preferred Stock to be
sold pursuant to a particular Purchase Agreement will bear div-
idends and have the redemption and sinking fund provisions, if
any, and other terms determined at the time of the sale and set


     
<PAGE>
                              -2-



forth in the Purchase Agreement and the Prospectus Supplement
relating to such series of Preferred Stock.  The shares of Pre-
ferred Stock involved in any such offering are hereinafter
referred to as the "Shares," and the firm or firms, as the case
may be, which agree to purchase the same are hereinafter
referred to as the "Underwriters" of the Shares.  The terms
"you" and "your" refer to those Underwriters who sign the Pur-
chase Agreement either on behalf of themselves only or on
behalf of themselves and as representatives of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule A thereto, as the case may be.
Shares to be purchased by Underwriters are herein referred to
as "Underwriters' Shares," and any Shares to be purchased pur-
suant to Delayed Delivery Contracts (as defined below) as here-
inafter provided are herein referred to as "Contract Shares."

          2.   Delivery and Payment.  The Company will deliver
the certificates for the Shares to you for the accounts of the
Underwriters at the place specified in the Purchase Agreement,
against payment of the purchase price by certified or bank
cashier's check in same day or New York Clearing House funds
(as agreed to by the parties and specified in the Purchase
Agreement) drawn to the order of the Company, at the time set
forth in this Agreement or at such other time not later than
seven full business days thereafter as you and the Company
determine, such time being herein referred to as the "time of
purchase."  Unless otherwise provided for in the Purchase
Agreement, the certificates for the Underwriters' Shares so to
be delivered will be in such denominations and registered in
such names as you request in writing not later than
10.00 A.M.,* on the third business day prior to the time of
purchase, or, if no such request is received, in the names of
the respective Underwriters in the denominations agreed to be
purchased by them pursuant to this Agreement.  For the purpose
of expediting the checking of the certificates for the Under-
writers' Shares, the Company agrees to make such certificates
available to you at the place specified in the Purchase Agree-
ment registered in such names and denominations as you shall
have requested not later than 10.00 A.M. on the first business
day preceding the time of purchase.*


___________________
*    Times mentioned herein are New York City Time.

*    As used herein, "business day" shall mean a day on which
     the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.


     
<PAGE>
                              -3-



          If any Purchase Agreement provides for sales of
Shares pursuant to delayed delivery contracts, the Company
authorizes the Underwriters to solicit offers to purchase Con-
tract Shares pursuant to delayed delivery contracts substan-
tially in the form of Schedule I attached hereto (the "Delayed
Delivery Contracts") with such changes therein as the Company
may approve.  Delayed Delivery Contracts are to be with insti-
tutional investors, including commercial and savings banks,
insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, and
educational and charitable institutions.  At the time of pur-
chase the Company will pay you as compensation, for the
accounts of the Underwriters, the compensation set forth in
such Purchase Agreement in respect of the principal amount of
Contract Shares.  The Underwriters will not have any responsi-
bility in respect of the validity or the performance of Delayed
Delivery Contracts.  If the Company executes and delivers
Delayed Delivery Contracts, the Contract Shares shall be
deducted from the Shares to be purchased by the several Under-
writers and the aggregate principal amount of Shares to be pur-
chased by each Underwriter shall be reduced pro rata in propor-
tion to the principal amount of Shares set forth opposite each
Underwriter's name in such Purchase Agreement, except to the
extent that you determine that such reduction shall be other-
wise allocated and so advise the Company.

          3.   Certain Covenants of the Company.  The Company
agrees:

               (a)  As soon as possible after the execution
          and delivery of this Agreement to file, or mail
          for filing, the Prospectus with the Commission
          pursuant to its Rule 424 under the Act and, if and
          when required at any time after such execution and
          delivery, to file amendments to the applications
          the Company has previously filed with any state
          regulatory agencies having jurisdiction to govern
          the Company's issuance of its securities setting
          forth, among other things, the necessary informa-
          tion with respect to the price and the terms of
          the Shares and the terms of offering of the
          Shares;

               (b)  To file no amendment or supplement to
          the Registration Statement or Prospectus (other
          than a required filing under the Exchange Act)
          subsequent to the execution of this Agreement and



     
<PAGE>
                              -4-



          prior to the time of purchase to which you object
          in writing;

               (c)  To furnish such proper information as
          may be required and otherwise to cooperate in
          qualifying the Shares for sale under the laws of
          such jurisdictions as you may designate and in
          determining their eligibility for investment under
          the laws of such jurisdictions; provided that the
          Company shall not be required to qualify as a for-
          eign corporation or to file a general consent to
          service of process in any jurisdiction;

               (d)  To the extent not previously furnished
          to you, to furnish to you two signed copies of the
          Registration Statement, as initially filed with
          the Commission, of all amendments thereto, and of
          all documents incorporated by reference therein
          (including all exhibits filed therewith, other
          than exhibits which have previously been furnished
          to you), two signed copies of each consent and
          certificate of independent accountants and of each
          other person who by his profession gives authority
          to statements made by him and who is named in the
          Registration Statement as having prepared, certi-
          fied or reviewed any part thereof, and to furnish
          to you sufficient unsigned copies of the foregoing
          (other than exhibits, including consents filed as
          exhibits, to the Registration Statement) for dis-
          tribution of a copy to you and to each of the
          other Underwriters;

               (e)  To deliver to the Underwriters without
          charge in New York City as soon as practicable
          after the execution and delivery of this Agreement
          and thereafter from time to time to furnish to the
          Underwriters, without charge, as many copies of
          the Prospectus in final form and any documents
          incorporated by reference therein at or after the
          date thereof (or as amended or supplemented, if
          the Company shall have made any amendment or sup-
          plement after the effective date of the Registra-
          tion Statement) as you or the respective Under-
          writers may reasonably request for the purposes
          contemplated by the Act;




     
<PAGE>
                              -5-



               (f)  To advise you promptly (confirming such
          advice in writing) of any official request made by
          the Commission for amendments to the Registration
          Statement or Prospectus or for additional informa-
          tion with respect thereto, or of official notice
          of institution of proceedings for, or the entry
          of, a stop order suspending the effectiveness of
          the Registration Statement and, if such order
          should be entered by the Commission, to make every
          reasonable effort to obtain the lifting or removal
          thereof as soon as possible, or of the suspension
          of qualification of the Shares for offering or
          sale in any jurisdiction or of the initiation or
          threatening of any proceeding for any such
          purpose;

               (g)  To apply the net proceeds from the sale
          of the Shares in the manner set forth in the
          Prospectus;

               (h)  To furnish to you during a period of
          five years from the time of purchase (i) as soon
          as practicable after the end of each fiscal year,
          a copy of its annual report to shareholders for
          such year, (ii) from time to time, copies of any
          reports or other communications which it shall
          file with the Commission or any governmental
          agency substituted therefor under the Exchange Act
          or sent to its stockholders, or holders of the
          Shares, and (iii) such other information as you
          may from time to time reasonably request regarding
          the financial condition and operations of the
          Company;

               (i)  To furnish to any other Underwriter cop-
          ies of such of the financial statements, reports
          or other information referred to in the foregoing
          subparagraphs (h)(i) and (ii) as such Underwriter
          may, from time to time during the period you are
          entitled to receive them, request;

               (j)  To advise the Underwriters of the hap-
          pening of any event known to the Company within
          the time during which a prospectus relating to the
          Shares is required to be delivered under the Act
          which, in the judgment of the Company, would
          require the making of any change in the Prospectus


     
<PAGE>
                              -6-



          or any amended or supplemented Prospectus or in
          the information incorporated by reference therein
          so that as thereafter delivered to purchasers such
          Prospectus will not include an untrue statement of
          a material fact or omit to state a material fact
          necessary in order to make the statements therein,
          in the light of the circumstances under which they
          were made, not misleading, and on request to pre-
          pare and furnish to the Underwriters and to deal-
          ers and other persons designated by you such
          amendments or supplements (including appropriate
          filings under the Exchange Act) to the Prospectus
          as may be necessary to reflect any such change,
          provided that the Company shall be so obligated
          only so long as the Company is notified of unsold
          allotments (failure by the Underwriters to so
          notify the Company cancels the Company's obliga-
          tion under this Section 3(j));

               (k)  As soon as practicable, to make gener-
          ally available to its security holders an earnings
          statement (as contemplated by Rule 158 under the
          Act) covering a period of twelve months after the
          effective date of the Registration Statement; 

               (l)  to pay the fees and expenses of counsel
          for the Underwriters, and to reimburse the Under-
          writers for their reasonable out-of-pocket
          expenses incurred in contemplation of the perfor-
          mance of this Agreement, in the event that the
          Shares are not delivered to and taken up and paid
          for by the Underwriters hereunder for any reason
          whatsoever except the failure or refusal of any
          Underwriter to take up and pay for Shares for some
          reason not permitted by the terms of this Agree-
          ment, the Underwriters agreeing to pay the fees
          and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters in
          any other event;

               (m)  To pay all expenses, fees and taxes
          (other than transfer taxes and fees and disburse-
          ments of counsel for the Underwriters except as
          set forth under 3(1) above or (iv) below) in con-
          nection with (i) the preparation and filing of the
          Registration Statement, each Preliminary Prospec-
          tus and the Prospectus, any documents incorporated
          by reference therein at or after the date thereof


     
<PAGE>
                              -7-



          and any amendments or supplements thereto, and the
          printing or reproduction and furnishing of copies
          of each thereof to the Underwriters and to deal-
          ers, (ii) the issue, sale and delivery of the
          Shares, (iii) the printing or reproduction of this
          Agreement and the opinions and letters referred to
          in Section 4(a) hereof, (iv) the qualification of
          the Shares for sale and determination of their
          eligibility for investment under state laws as
          aforesaid, including the reasonable legal fees and
          all filing fees and disbursements of counsel for
          the Underwriters and all other filing fees, and
          the printing or reproduction and furnishing of
          copies of the "Blue Sky Survey" and the "Legal
          Investment Survey" to the Underwriters and to
          dealers, (v) the rating of the Shares by national
          rating agencies and (vi) the performance of the
          Company's other obligations hereunder;

               (n)  To furnish to you as early as practi-
          cable prior to the time of purchase, but no later
          than two business days prior thereto, a copy of
          the latest available unaudited interim consoli-
          dated financial statements, if any, of the Company
          which have been read by the Company's independent
          public accountants as stated in their letter to be
          furnished pursuant to Section 4(a) of this Agree-
          ment; and

               (o)  If a public offering of the Shares is to
          be made, not to offer or sell any of its Preferred
          Stock prior to thirty days after the time of pur-
          chase without your consent.

          4.   Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations.  The
several obligations of the Underwriters hereunder are subject
to the following conditions:

               (a)  That, at the time of purchase, you shall
          receive the signed opinions of Hinkle, Cox, Eaton,
          Coffield & Hensley; Cahill Gordon & Reindel;
          Rainey, Ross, Rice and Binns; and Foulston &
          Siefkin, counsel for the Company, and counsel for
          the Underwriters, substantially in the forms here-
          tofore furnished to you, addressed to the Under-
          writers (with reproduced or conformed copies
          thereof for each of the other Underwriters); and


     
<PAGE>
                              -8-



          that, at the time of purchase, you shall receive
          the signed letters of the independent public
          accountants of the Company, substantially in the
          form heretofore furnished to you and in substance
          satisfactory to you addressed to the Underwriters
          (with reproduced or conformed copies thereof for
          each of the other Underwriters);

               (b)  That, at or before 5:30 P.M. on the date
          hereof, or at such later time and day as you may
          have from time to time consented to in writing or
          by telephone, confirmed in writing, the orders of
          the New Mexico Public Utility Commission, neces-
          sary to permit the issue, sale and delivery of the
          Shares shall have been issued; at the time of pur-
          chase such orders shall be in full force and
          effect; and prior to such time of purchase no stop
          order with respect to the effectiveness of the
          Registration Statement shall have been issued
          under the Act by the Commission and at such time
          of purchase no proceedings therefor shall be pend-
          ing or threatened;

               (c)  That, at the time the Registration
          Statement became effective, the Registration
          Statement did not contain an untrue statement of a
          material fact or omit to state a material fact
          required to be stated therein or necessary to make
          the statements therein not misleading, and that at
          the time of purchase the Prospectus shall not con-
          tain an untrue statement of a material fact or
          omit to state a material fact required to be
          stated therein or necessary to make the statements
          therein, in the light of the circumstances under
          which they were made, not misleading, other than
          any statement contained in, or any matter omitted
          from, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
          in reliance upon, and in conformity with, informa-
          tion furnished in writing by or on behalf of any
          Underwriter through you to the Company expressly
          for use with reference to such Underwriter in the
          Registration Statement or Prospectus;

               (d)  That, subsequent to the respective dates
          as of which information is given in the Registra-
          tion Statement and in the Prospectus, at the time
          the Prospectus is first filed, or mailed for


     
<PAGE>
                              -9-



          filing, pursuant to Rule 424 under the Act, and
          prior to the time of purchase, in your opinion no
          material adverse change, or any development
          involving a prospective material adverse change,
          in the condition of the Company, financial or
          otherwise, shall have taken place (other than as
          referred to in or contemplated by the Registration
          Statement and Prospectus as of such time);

               (e)  That the Company shall have performed
          all of its obligations under this Agreement which
          are to be performed by the terms hereof at or
          before the time of purchase; and

               (f)  That the Company shall, at the time of
          purchase, deliver to you (with reproduced or con-
          formed copies thereof for each of the other Under-
          writers) a signed certificate of two of its execu-
          tive officers stating that, subsequent to the
          respective dates as of which information is given
          in the Registration Statement and in the Prospec-
          tus, at the time the Prospectus is first filed, or
          mailed for filing, pursuant to Rule 424 under the
          Act, and prior to the time of purchase, no mate-
          rial adverse change, or any development involving
          a prospective material adverse change, in the con-
          dition of the Company, financial or otherwise,
          shall have taken place (other than as referred to
          in or contemplated by the Registration Statement
          and Prospectus as of such time) and also covering
          the matters set forth in (c) and (e) of this
          Section 4.

               (g)  That the Company shall have accepted
          Delayed Delivery Contracts in any case where sales
          of Contract Shares arranged by the Underwriters
          have been approved by the Company.

          5.   Termination of Agreement.  The obligations of
the several Underwriters hereunder shall be subject to termina-
tion in your absolute discretion, if, at any time prior to the
time of purchase, trading in securities on the New York Stock
Exchange shall have been suspended (other than a temporary sus-
pension to provide for an orderly market) or minimum prices
shall have been established on the New York Stock Exchange, or
if a banking moratorium shall have been declared either by the
United States or New York State authorities, or if after the


     
<PAGE>
                             -10-



execution of this Agreement the United States shall have
declared war in accordance with its constitutional processes or
there shall have occurred any material outbreak or escalation
of hostilities or other national or international calamity or
crisis of such magnitude in its effect on the financial markets
of the United States as, in your judgment, to make it impracti-
cable to market the Shares.

          If you elect to terminate this Agreement as provided
in this Section 5, the Company and each other Underwriter shall
be notified promptly in writing or by telephone, confirmed in
writing.

          If the sale to the Underwriters of the Underwriters'
Shares as herein contemplated is not carried out by the Under-
writers for any reason permitted hereunder or if such sale is
not carried out because the Company shall be unable to comply
with any of the terms thereof, the Company shall not be under
any obligation or liability under this Agreement (except to the
extent provided in Sections 3(1), 3(m), 7(b) and 9 hereof), and
the Underwriters shall be under no obligation or liability to
the Company (except to the extent provided in Sections 8(b) and
9 hereof) or to one another under this Agreement.

          6.   Increase in Underwriters' Commitments.  If any
Underwriter shall default in its obligation to take up and pay
for the Shares to be purchased by it hereunder and if the num-
ber of Shares which all Underwriters so defaulting shall have
so failed to take up and pay for does not exceed 10% of the
total number of Shares, the non-defaulting Underwriters shall
take up and pay for (in addition to the number of Shares they
are obligated to purchase pursuant to this Agreement) the num-
ber of Shares agreed to be purchased by all such defaulting
Underwriters, as herein provided.  Such Shares shall be taken
up and paid for by such non-defaulting Underwriter or Under-
writers in such number as you may designate with the consent of
each Underwriter so designated or, in the event no such desig-
nation is made, such Shares shall be taken up and paid for by
all non-defaulting Underwriters pro rata in proportion to the
number of Shares set opposite the names of all such non-
defaulting Underwriters in Schedule A to the Purchase
Agreement.

          Without relieving any defaulting Underwriter of its
obligations hereunder, the Company agrees with the non-default-
ing Underwriters that it will not sell any Shares hereunder
unless all of the Shares are purchased by the Underwriters (or


     
<PAGE>
                             -11-



by substituted Underwriters selected by you with the approval
of the Company or selected by the Company with your approval).

          If a new underwriter or underwriters are substituted
by the Underwriters or by the Company for a defaulting Under-
writer or Underwriters in accordance with the foregoing provi-
sion, the Company or you will have the right to postpone the
time of purchase for a period of not exceeding five business
days in order that necessary changes in the Registration State-
ment and Prospectus and other documents may be effected.

          The term Underwriter as used in this Agreement will
refer to and include any underwriter substituted under this
Section 6 with like effect as if such substituted underwriter
had originally been named in Schedule A to the Purchase
Agreement.

          7.   Warranties and Representations of and Indemnity
by the Company.  (a)  The Company warrants and represents that,
when the Registration Statement became effective, the Registra-
tion Statement complied in all material respects, and, when the
Prospectus is first filed, or mailed for filing, pursuant to
Rule 424 under the Act, the Prospectus will comply in all mate-
rial respects with the provisions of the Act, and that neither
will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or neces-
sary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided,
however, that the Company makes no warranty or representation
with respect to any statement contained in, or any matter omit-
ted from, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in reli-
ance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writ-
ing by or on behalf of any Underwriter through you to the Com-
pany expressly for use with reference to the Underwriter in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus.  The Company also war-
rants and represents that the documents incorporated by refer-
ence in the Prospectus comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the Exchange Act and any additional documents
deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Prospectus will,
when they are filed with the Commission, comply in all material
respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act, and will
not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein, or neces-
sary to make the statements therein, in the light of the cir-
cumstances under which they are made, not misleading.





     
<PAGE>
                             -12-



          (b)  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harm-
less each Underwriter, and any person who controls any Under-
writer within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or
Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any loss,
expense, liability or claim which arises out of or is based
upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact in the
Registration Statement, any prospectus contained in the Regis-
tration Statement at the time it became effective or the Pro-
spectus, or any related preliminary prospectus, or arises out
of or is based upon any alleged omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements made therein not misleading.  The foregoing
shall not cover any such loss, expense, liability or claim,
however, which arises out of or is based upon any alleged
untrue statement of a material fact contained in, and in con-
formity with information furnished in writing by or on behalf
of such Underwriter through you to the Company expressly for
use with reference to the Underwriter in, any such documents or
arises out of or is based upon any alleged omission to state a
material fact in connection with such information required to
be stated in any such documents or necessary to make such
information not misleading.

          If any action is brought against an Underwriter or
controlling person in respect of which indemnity may be sought
against the Company pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, such
Underwriter shall promptly notify the Company in writing or by
telephone, confirmed in writing, of the institution of such
action and the Company shall assume the defense of such action,
including the employment of counsel and payment of expenses.
Such Underwriter or controlling person shall have the right to
employ its or their own counsel in any such case, but the fees
and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such
Underwriter or such controlling person unless the employment of
such counsel shall have been authorized in writing by the Com-
pany in connection with the defense of such action or the Com-
pany shall not have employed counsel to have charge of the
defense of such action or such indemnified party or parties
shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses
available to it or them which are different from or additional
to those available to the Company (in which case the Company
shall not have the right to direct the defense of such action
on behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in any of which
events such fees and expenses of one counsel for all indem-
nified parties selected by you shall be borne by the Company.
Anything in this paragraph to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any such


     
<PAGE>
                             -13-



claim or action effected without its written consent.  The Com-
pany's indemnity agreement contained in this Section 7(b) and
its warranties and representations contained in this Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any inves-
tigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or controlling
person, and shall survive any termination of this Agreement or
the issuance and delivery of the Shares.  The Company agrees
promptly to notify the Underwriters of the commencement of any
litigation or proceedings against the Company or any of its
officers or directors in connection with the issue and sale of
the Shares or with such Registration Statement or Prospectus.

          8.   Warranties and Representations of the Indemnity
by Underwriters.  (a)  Each Underwriter warrants and represents
that the information furnished in writing by or on behalf of
such Underwriter through you to the Company expressly for use
with reference to such Underwriter in the Registration State-
ment at the time it became effective or the Prospectus, or any
related preliminary prospectus does not contain an untrue
statement of a material fact and does not omit to state a mate-
rial fact in connection with such information required to be
stated in the Registration Statement at the time it became
effective or the Prospectus, or any related preliminary pro-
spectus or necessary to make such information not misleading.
Each Underwriter, in addition to other information furnished by
such Underwriter or on its behalf through you to the Company in
writing expressly for use with reference to such Underwriter in
the Registration Statement and Prospectus, hereby furnishes to
the Company in writing expressly for use with reference to such
Underwriter the statements with respect to the terms of offer-
ing of the Shares by the Underwriters set forth on the cover
page of the Prospectus Supplement and under "underwriting"
therein.

          (b)  Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify
and hold harmless the Company, its directors and its officers
from and against any loss, expense, liability or claim which
arises out of or is based upon any alleged untrue statement of
a material fact contained in, and in conformity with informa-
tion furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Underwriter
through you to the Company expressly for use with reference to
such Underwriter in, the Registration Statement, any prospectus
contained in the Registration Statement at the time it became
effective or the Prospectus, or any related preliminary pro-
spectus, or arises out of or is based upon any alleged omission
to state a material fact in connection with such information



     
<PAGE>
                             -14-



required to be stated in such documents or necessary to make
such information not misleading.

          If any action is brought against the Company or any
such person in respect of which indemnity may be sought against
any Underwriter pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, the Com-
pany or such person shall promptly notify such Underwriter in
writing or by telephone, confirmed in writing, of the institu-
tion of such action and such Underwriter shall assume the
defense of such action, including the employment of counsel and
payment of expenses.  The Company or such person shall have the
right to employ its or their own counsel in any such case, but
the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense
of the Company or such person unless the employment of such
counsel shall have been authorized in writing by such Under-
writer in connection with the defense of such action or such
Underwriter shall not have employed counsel to have charge of
the defense of such action or such indemnified party or parties
shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses
available to it or them which are different from or additional
to those available to such Underwriter (in which case such
Underwriter shall not have the right to direct the defense of
such action on behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in
any of which events such fees and expenses for all indemnified
parties of one counsel selected by the Company shall be borne
by such Underwriter.  Anything in this paragraph to the con-
trary notwithstanding, no Underwriter shall be liable for any
settlement of any such claim or action effected without the
written consent of such Underwriter.  The indemnity agreement
on the part of each Underwriter contained in this Section 8(b)
shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any inves-
tigation made by or on behalf of the Company or such person,
and shall survive any termination of this Agreement or the
issuance and delivery of the Shares.  Each Underwriter agrees
promptly to notify the Company of the commencement of any liti-
gation or proceedings against such Underwriter in connection
with the issue and sale of the Shares or with such Registration
Statement or Prospectus.

          9.   Contribution.  If the indemnification provided
for in Section 7(b) or 8(b) above is unavailable in respect of
any losses, expenses, liabilities or claims referred to
therein, then the parties entitled to indemnification by the
terms thereof shall be entitled to contribution to liabilities
and expenses except to the extent that contribution is not per-
mitted under the Act or the Exchange Act.  In determining the
amount of contribution to which the respective parties are


     
<PAGE>
                             -15-



entitled, there shall be considered the relative benefits
received by each party from the offering of the Shares (taking
into account the portion of the proceeds of the offering real-
ized by each), the parties' relative knowledge and access to
information concerning the matter with respect to which the
claim was asserted, the opportunity to correct and prevent any
statement or omission, and any other equitable considerations
appropriate under the circumstances.  The Company and the
Underwriters and such controlling persons agree that it would
not be equitable if the amount of such contribution were deter-
mined by pro rata or per capita allocation (even if the Under-
writers and such controlling persons were treated as one entity
for such purpose).  The contribution agreement contained in
this Section 9 shall remain in full force and effect regardless
of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or
the Company or any of its officers or directors or any control-
ling person and shall survive any termination of this Agreement
or the issuance and delivery of the Shares.

          10.  Notices.  All statements, requests, notices and
agreements shall be in writing or by telegram and, if to the
Underwriters, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered
or sent by registered mail to the address furnished in writing
for the purpose of such statements, requests, notices and
agreements hereunder, and, if to the Company shall be suffi-
cient in all respects if delivered or sent by registered mail
to the Company at Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo, Texas  79101,
Attention:  Chairman of the Board.

          11.  Construction.  This Agreement shall be governed
by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
New York.

          The section headings in this Agreement have been
inserted as a matter of convenience of reference and are not a
part of this agreement.

          12.  Parties in Interest.  The Agreement herein set
forth has been and is made solely for the benefit of the Under-
writers and the Company, and the controlling persons, directors
and officers referred to in Sections 7, 8 and 9 hereof, and
their respective successors, assigns, executors and administra-
tors, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under
or by virtue of this Agreement.  Nothing in this Agreement is
intended or shall be construed to give to any other person,
firm or corporation (including, without limitation, any pur-
chaser of the Shares from an Underwriter or any subsequent


     
<PAGE>
                             -16-



holder thereof) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim
under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein
contained.

          The term "successor" as used in this Agreement shall
not include any purchaser, as such purchaser, of any Shares
from any Underwriter or any subsequent holder thereof.

          13.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in
any number of counterparts which, taken together, shall consti-
tute one and the same instrument.






































     
<PAGE>
                          Schedule I

                   DELAYED DELIVERY CONTRACT


                                    Dated:               , 199 



SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Tyler at Sixth
Amarillo, Texas 79101
Attention:

Dear Sirs:

          The undersigned hereby agrees to purchase from South-
western Public Service Company (the "Company"), and the Company
agrees to sell to the undersigned,

                  ___________________ shares

of the Company's [state title of issue] (the "Shares") offered
by the Company's Prospectus dated              , 199  and a
Prospectus Supplement dated             , 199 , receipt of cop-
ies of which is hereby acknowledged, at a purchase price of
$     per share plus accrued dividends and on the further terms
and conditions set forth in this contract.

          The undersigned agrees to purchase such Shares in the
amounts and on the delivery dates (the "Delivery Dates") set
forth below:


    Delivery            Number of         Plus Accrued
      Date               Shares          Dividends From:
    --------            ---------        ---------------


________________     _______________    ________________


________________     _______________    ________________


________________     _______________    ________________


          Payment for the Shares which the undersigned has
agreed to purchase on each Delivery Date shall be made to the
Company or its order by certified or bank cashier's check in


     
<PAGE>
                              -2-



_______________________________* funds at the Corporate Trust
Office of               (or at such other place as the under-
signed and the Company shall agree) at 11:00 A.M., New York
City Time, on such Delivery Date upon issuance and delivery to
the undersigned of the Shares to be purchased by the under-
signed on such Delivery Date and, unless otherwise provided
herein, registered in such names as the undersigned may desig-
nate by written or telegraphic communications addressed to the
Company not less than five full business days prior to such
Delivery Date.

          The obligation of the Company to sell and deliver,
and of the undersigned to take delivery of and make payment
for, Shares on each Delivery Date shall be subject to the con-
ditions that (1) the purchase of Shares to be made by the
undersigned shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited
under the laws of the jurisdiction to which the undersigned is
subject, (2) the sale of the Shares by the Company pursuant to
this contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited
under the laws of any jurisdiction to which the Company is sub-
ject and (3) the Company shall have sold, and delivery shall
have taken place, to the Underwriters of such number of the
Shares as is to be sold and delivered to them.  In the event
that Shares are not sold to the undersigned because one of the
foregoing conditions is not met, the Company shall not be lia-
ble to the undersigned for damages arising out of the transac-
tions covered by this contract.

          Promptly after completion of the sale and delivery to
the Underwriters, the Company will mail or deliver to the
undersigned at its address set forth below notice to such
effect, accompanied by copies of the opinions of counsel for
the Company delivered to the Underwriters.

          Failure to take delivery of and make payment for
Shares by any purchaser under any other Delayed Delivery Con-
tract shall not relieve the undersigned of its obligations
under this contract.

          The undersigned represents and warrants that (a) as
of the date of this contract, the undersigned is not prohibited
under the laws of the jurisdictions to which the undersigned is
subject from purchasing the Shares hereby agreed to be pur-
chased and (b) the undersigned does not contemplate selling the
___________________
*    Insert same day or New York Clearing House funds.


     
<PAGE>
                              -3-



Shares which it has agreed to purchase hereunder prior to the
Delivery Date therefor.

          This contract will inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the parties hereto and their respective succes-
sors, but will not be assignable by either party hereto without
the written consent of the other.  This contract shall be gov-
erned by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State
of New York.  This contract may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but
all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.

          It is understood that the acceptance of any Delayed
Delivery Contract is in the Company's sole discretion and,
without limiting the foregoing, need not be on a first-come,
first-served basis.  If the contract is acceptable to the Com-
pany, it is requested that the Company sign the form of accep-
tance below and mail or deliver one of the counterparts hereof
to the undersigned at its address set forth below.  This will
become a binding contract between the Company and the under-
signed when such counterpart is so signed.

                                   Yours very truly,

                           ____________________________________

                         By____________________________________

                           ____________________________________

                           ____________________________________
                                        Address


Accepted, as of the date first above written


Southwestern Public Service Company


By_________________________________







     
<PAGE>
                              -4-



        PURCHASER -- PLEASE COMPLETE AT TIME OF SIGNING


          The name and telephone and department of the repre-
sentative of the Purchaser with whom details of delivery on the
Delivery Date may be discussed are as follows:

(Please print.)

                         Telephone No.
Name                  (Including Area Code)       Department






































     
<PAGE>




              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

                      PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                        PREFERRED STOCK


Southwestern Public Service Company
Tyler at Sixth
Amarillo, Texas  79101


Dear Sirs:

          Referring to the Preferred Stock of Southwestern Pub-
lic Service Company (the "Company") covered by the registration
statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-______), such registration state-
ment including (i) the prospectus included therein, dated
            , 199_ in the form first filed under Rule 424 and
any additional prospectus supplements relating to the Preferred
Stock filed under Rule 424 (such prospectus as so supplemented,
including each document incorporated by reference therein is
hereinafter called the "Prospectus") and (ii) all documents
filed as part thereof or incorporated by reference therein, is
hereinafter called the "Registration Statement", on the basis
of the representations, warranties and agreements contained in
this Agreement, but subject to the terms and conditions herein
set forth, the purchaser or purchasers named in Schedule A
hereto (the "Underwriters") agree to purchase, severally, and
the Company agrees to sell to the Underwriters, severally, the
respective number of shares of Preferred Stock having the terms
described below (the "Shares") set forth opposite the name of
each Underwriter on Schedule A hereto.

          The price at which the Shares shall be purchased from
the Company by the Underwriters shall be $____ per share plus
dividends, if any, accrued from _________________, 199_.  The
initial public offering price shall be $____ per share plus
dividends, if any, accrued from ___________________, 199_.  The
Shares will be offered by the Underwriters as set forth in the
Prospectus relating to such Shares.

          The Shares will have the following terms:





     
<PAGE>
                              -2-



          Title of Shares:              ___% Preferred Stock  

          Dividend rate:                ____% per annum 
          Date from which [cumula-
          tive] dividend will
          accrue:                       _______________, 199_

          Liquidation Preference
          per share:                    ______________________

          Redemption Provisions:        _______________________

                                        _______________________

                                        _______________________

          Sinking Fund Provisions:      _______________________

                                        _______________________

                                        _______________________

          Other:                        _______________________

                                        _______________________

                                        _______________________

          Payment for the Shares
          shall be made in the fol-
          lowing funds:                 _______________________

          The "time of purchase"
          shall be:                     _______________________

          The place at which the
          Shares may be checked and
          packaged shall be:            _______________________

          The place(s) at which the
          Shares shall be delivered
          and sold shall be:            _______________________


          Delayed Delivery
          Contracts:                    _______________________



     
<PAGE>
                              -3-



          Notices to Underwriters shall be sent to the follow-
ing address(es) or telecopier number(s):

          If we are acting as Representative(s) for the several
Underwriters named in Schedule A hereto, we represent that we
are authorized to act for such several Underwriters in connec-
tion with the transactions contemplated in this Agreement, and
that, if there are more than one of us, any action under this
Agreement taken by any of us will be binding upon all the
Underwriters.

          All of the provisions contained in the document enti-
tled "Southwestern Public Service Company Standard Purchase
Provisions - Preferred Stock", a copy of which has been previ-
ously furnished to us, are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entirety and shall be deemed to be a part of this Agree-
ment to the same extent as if such provisions had been set
forth in full herein.

          If the foregoing is in accordance with your under-
standing of our agreement, kindly sign and return to us the
enclosed duplicate hereof, whereupon it will become a binding
agreement between the Company and the several Underwriters in
accordance with its terms.

                               Very truly yours,

                               [Firm Name]

                               By _____________________________
                                  Title: ______________________


                               [Firm Name]

                               By _____________________________
                                  Title: ______________________

                                   Acting on behalf of and as
                                   Representative(s) of the
                                   several Underwriters named
                                   in Schedule A hereto.*
___________________
*    To be deleted if the Purchase Agreement is not executed by
     one or more Underwriters acting as Representative(s) of
     the Underwriters for purposes of this Agreement.


     
<PAGE>
                              -4-



The foregoing Purchase Agreement is
hereby confirmed as of the date
first above written


SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY



By ____________________________
   Title: _____________________


_______________________________



































     
<PAGE>




                          SCHEDULE A


                                                  Number
                                                    of
Name of Underwriters                              Shares














Total                                             __________
                                                  __________


























     


                                                   Exhibit 1(b)















              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

                     FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS

                 STANDARD PURCHASE PROVISIONS

                           INCLUDING

                  FORM OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT






















     
<PAGE>


              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
                STANDARD PURCHASE PROVISIONS -
                     FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS
              ------------------------------------


          From time to time, Southwestern Public Service Com-
pany, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of
the State of New Mexico (the "Company"), may enter into pur-
chase agreements that provide for the sale of designated secu-
rities to the purchaser or purchasers named therein.  The stan-
dard provisions set forth herein may be incorporated by refer-
ence in any such purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement").
The Purchase Agreement, including the provisions incorporated
therein by reference, is herein sometimes referred to as "this
Agreement."  The term "Bonds" shall mean the First Mortgage
Bonds of the Company to be sold by the Company pursuant to the
applicable Purchase Agreement.  Unless otherwise defined
herein, terms defined in the Purchase Agreement are used herein
as therein defined.

          The Company has filed, in accordance with the provi-
sions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
thereunder (collectively called the "Act"), with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), a registration
statement on Form S-3 (including a prospectus), relating to
shares of Preferred Stock and Unsecured Debt of the Company 
and the Bonds, which pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 incorporates 
by reference documents which the Company has filed in accordance 
with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively 
called the "Exchange Act").  Such registration statement has been 
declared effective by the Commission.  Promptly upon the execution 
of this Agreement, the Company will prepare a prospectus supplement 
relating to the Bonds (the "Prospectus Supplement").  The Company 
has furnished to you, for use by the Underwriters (as defined 
herein) and dealers, copies of one or more preliminary 
prospectuses and the documents so incorporated therein (each 
thereof, including the documents so incorporated therein, is 
herein called the "Preliminary Prospectus").  The terms 
Registration Statement and Prospectus shall have the meanings 
ascribed to them in the Purchase Agreement.

          1.   Introductory.  The Company proposes to issue and
sell from time to time Bonds registered under the Registration
Statement.  The Bonds will be issued pursuant to the Indenture
of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated August 1, 1946, to Chemi-
cal Bank as Trustee (the "Bonds Trustee"), as supplemented and

<PAGE>
                              -2-



amended, including a supplemental indenture pertaining to the
particular series of Bonds involved in the offering (the "Mort-
gage"), and will have varying designations, interest rates and
times of payment of any interest, maturities, redemption provi-
sions and other terms, with all such terms for any particular
series of the Bonds being determined at the time of the sale
and set forth in the Purchase Agreement and the Prospectus Sup-
plement relating to such series of Bonds.  The Bonds involved
in any such offering are hereinafter referred to as the "Pur-
chased Bonds," and the firm or firms, as the case may be, which
agree to purchase the same are hereinafter referred to as the
"Underwriters" of the Purchased Bonds.  The terms "you" and
"your" refer to those Underwriters who sign the Purchase Agree-
ment either on behalf of themselves only or on behalf of them-
selves and as representatives of the several Underwriters named
in Schedule A thereto, as the case may be.  Purchased Bonds to
be purchased by Underwriters are herein referred to as "Under-
writers' Bonds," and any Purchased Bonds to be purchased pursu-
ant to Delayed Delivery Contracts (as defined below) as herein-
after provided are herein referred to as "Contract Bonds."

          2.   Delivery and Payment.  The Company will deliver
the Underwriters' Bonds to you for the accounts of the Under-
writers at the place specified in the Purchase Agreement,
against payment of the purchase price by certified or bank
cashier's check in same day or New York Clearing House funds
(as agreed to by the parties and specified in the Purchase
Agreement) drawn to the order of the Company, at the time set
forth in this Agreement or at such other time not later than
seven full business days thereafter as you and the Company
determine, such time being herein referred to as the "time of
purchase."  Unless otherwise provided for in the Purchase
Agreement, the Underwriters' Bonds so to be delivered will be
in definitive fully registered form registered in such autho-
rized denominations and in such names as you request in writing
not later than 10:00 A.M.,* on the third business day** prior
to the time of purchase, or, if no such request is received, in
the names of the respective Underwriters in the amounts agreed
to be purchased by them pursuant to this Agreement.  For the
purpose of expediting the checking of the Underwriters' Bonds,
the Company agrees to make the Underwriters' Bonds available to
_________________________
*    Times mentioned herein are New York City Time.

**   As used herein, "business day" shall mean a day on which
     the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.


     
<PAGE>
                              -3-



you (at the place specified in the Purchase Agreement) in
definitive form not later than 10:00 A.M. on the first business
day preceding the time of purchase.

          If any Purchase Agreement provides for sales of Pur-
chased Bonds pursuant to delayed delivery contracts, the Com-
pany authorizes the Underwriters to solicit offers to purchase
Contract Bonds pursuant to delayed delivery contracts substan-
tially in the form of Schedule I attached hereto (the "Delayed
Delivery Contracts") with such changes therein as the Company
may approve.  Delayed Delivery Contracts are to be with insti-
tutional investors, including commercial and savings banks,
insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, and
educational and charitable institutions.  At the time of pur-
chase the Company will pay you as compensation, for the
accounts of the Underwriters, the compensation set forth in
such Purchase Agreement in respect of the principal amount of
Contract Bonds.  The Underwriters will not have any responsi-
bility in respect of the validity or the performance of Delayed
Delivery Contracts.  If the Company executes and delivers
Delayed Delivery Contracts, the Contract Bonds shall be
deducted from the Purchased Bonds to be purchased by the sev-
eral Underwriters and the aggregate principal amount of Pur-
chased Bonds to be purchased by each Underwriter shall be
reduced pro rata in proportion to the principal amount of Pur-
chased Bonds set forth opposite each Underwriter's name in such
Purchase Agreement, except to the extent that you determine
that such reduction shall be otherwise allocated and so advise
the Company.

          3.   Certain Covenants of the Company.  The Company
agrees:

          (a)  As soon as possible after the execution
     and delivery of this Agreement to file, or mail
     for filing, the Prospectus with the Commission
     pursuant to its Rule 424 under the Act and, if and
     when required at any time after such execution and
     delivery, to file amendments to the applications
     the Company has previously filed with any state
     regulatory agencies having jurisdiction to govern
     the Company's issuance of its securities setting
     forth, among other things, the necessary informa-
     tion with respect to the price and terms of the
     Purchased Bonds and the terms of offering of the
     Purchased Bonds;



     
<PAGE>
                              -4-



          (b)  To file no amendment or supplement to
     the Registration Statement or Prospectus subse-
     quent to the execution of this Agreement to which
     you object in writing;

          (c)  To furnish such proper information as
     may be required and otherwise to cooperate in
     qualifying the Purchased Bonds for sale under the
     laws of such jurisdictions as you may designate
     and in determining their eligibility for invest-
     ment under the laws of such jurisdictions; pro-
     vided that the Company shall not be required to
     qualify as a foreign corporation or to file a gen-
     eral consent to service of process in any
     jurisdiction;

          (d)  To the extent not previously furnished
     to you, to furnish to you two signed copies of the
     Registration Statement, as initially filed with
     the Commission, of all amendments thereto, and of
     all documents incorporated by reference therein
     (including all exhibits filed therewith, other
     than exhibits which have previously been furnished
     to you), two signed copies of each consent and
     certificate of independent accountants and of each
     other person who by his profession gives authority
     to statements made by him and who is named in the
     Registration Statement as having prepared, certi-
     fied or reviewed any part thereof, and to furnish
     to you sufficient unsigned copies of the foregoing
     (other than exhibits, including consents filed as
     exhibits, to the Registration Statement) for dis-
     tribution of a copy to you and to each of the
     other Underwriters;

          (e)  To deliver to the Underwriters without
     charge in New York City as soon as practicable
     after the execution and delivery of this Agreement
     and thereafter from time to time to furnish to the
     Underwriters, without charge, as many copies of
     the Prospectus in final form and any documents
     incorporated by reference therein at or after the
     date thereof (or as amended or supplemented, if
     the Company shall have made any amendment or sup-
     plement after the effective date of the Registra-
     tion Statement) as you or the respective



     
<PAGE>
                              -5-



     Underwriters may reasonably request for the pur-
     poses contemplated by the Act;

          (f)  To advise you promptly (confirming such
     advice in writing) of any official request made by
     the Commission for amendments to the Registration
     Statement or Prospectus or for additional informa-
     tion with respect thereto, or of official notice
     of institution of proceedings for, or the entry
     of, a stop order suspending the effectiveness of
     the Registration Statement and, if such order
     should be entered by the Commission, to make every
     reasonable effort to obtain the lifting or removal
     thereof as soon as possible, or of the suspension
     of qualification of the Purchased Bonds for offer-
     ing or sale in any jurisdiction or of the initia-
     tion or threatening of any proceeding for any such
     purpose;

          (g)  To apply the net proceeds from the sale
     of the Purchased Bonds in the manner set forth in
     the Prospectus;

          (h)  To furnish to you during a period of
     five years from the time of purchase (i) as soon
     as practicable after the end of each fiscal year,
     a copy of its annual report to shareholders for
     such year; (ii) from time to time, copies of any
     reports or other communications which it shall
     file with the Commission or any governmental
     agency substituted therefor under the Exchange Act
     or sent to its stockholders, or holders of the
     Purchased Bonds, and (iii) such other information
     as you may from time to time reasonably request
     regarding the financial condition and operations
     of the Company;

          (i)  To furnish to any other Underwriter cop-
     ies of such of the financial statements, reports
     or other information referred to in the foregoing
     subparagraphs (h)(i) and (ii) as such Underwriter
     may, from time to time during the period you are
     entitled to receive them, request;

          (j)  To advise the Underwriters of the hap-
     pening of any event known to the Company within
     the time during which a prospectus relating to the


     
<PAGE>
                              -6-



     Purchased Bonds is required to be delivered under
     the Act which, in the judgment of the Company,
     would require the making of any change in the Pro-
     spectus or any amended or supplemented Prospectus
     or in the information incorporated by reference
     therein so that as thereafter delivered to pur-
     chasers such Prospectus will not include an untrue
     statement of a material fact or omit to state a
     material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary in order to make the statements therein,
     in the light of the circumstances under which they
     were made, not misleading, and on request to pre-
     pare and furnish to the Underwriters and to deal-
     ers and other persons designated by you such
     amendments or supplements (including appropriate
     filings under the Exchange Act) to the Prospectus
     as may be necessary to reflect any such change,
     provided that the Company shall be so obligated
     only so long as the Company is notified of unsold
     allotments (failure by the Underwriters to so
     notify the Company cancels the Company's obliga-
     tion under this Section 3(j));

          (k)  As soon as practicable, to make gener-
     ally available to its security holders an earnings
     statement (as contemplated by Rule 158 under the
     Act) covering a period of twelve months after the
     effective date of the Registration Statement;

          (l)  To pay the fees and expenses of counsel
     for the Underwriters, and to reimburse the Under-
     writers for their reasonable out-of-pocket
     expenses incurred in contemplation of the perfor-
     mance of this Agreement, in the event that the
     Underwriters' Bonds are not delivered to and taken
     up and paid for by the Underwriters hereunder for
     any reason whatsoever except the failure or
     refusal of any Underwriter to take up and pay for
     Underwriters' Bonds for some reason not permitted
     by the terms of this Agreement, the Underwriters
     agreeing to pay the fees and expenses of counsel
     for the Underwriters in any other event;

          (m)  To pay all expenses, fees and taxes
     (other than transfer taxes and fees and disburse-
     ments of counsel for the Underwriters except as
     set forth under 3(l) above or (iv) below) in


     
<PAGE>
                              -7-



     connection with (i) the preparation and filing of
     the Registration Statement, each Preliminary
     Prospectus and the Prospectus, any documents
     incorporated by reference therein at or after the
     date thereof and any amendments or supplements
     thereto, and the printing or reproduction and fur-
     nishing of copies of each thereof to the Under-
     writers and to dealers, (ii) the issue, sale and
     delivery of the Purchased Bonds, (iii) the print-
     ing or reproduction of this Agreement and the
     opinions and letters referred to in Section 4(a)
     hereof, (iv) the qualification of the Purchased
     Bonds for sale and determination of their eligi-
     bility for investment under state laws as afore-
     said, including the legal fees and all filing fees
     and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters
     and all other filing fees, and the printing or
     reproduction and furnishing of copies of the "Blue
     Sky Survey" and the "Legal Investment Survey" to
     the Underwriters and to dealers, (v) the rating of
     the Purchased Bonds by national rating agencies
     and (vi) the performance of the Company's other
     obligations hereunder;

          (n)  To furnish to you as early as practi-
     cable prior to the time of purchase, but no later
     than two business days prior thereto, a copy of
     the latest available unaudited interim consoli-
     dated financial statements, if any, of the Company
     which have been read by the Company's independent
     public accountants as stated in their letters to
     be furnished pursuant to Section 4(a) of this
     Agreement;

          (o)  To cause the Mortgage to be duly filed
     for record, appropriate notices of such filing to
     be recorded, and an appropriate financing state-
     ment to be filed, wherever necessary or appropri-
     ate in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas prior to the
     time of purchase of any Bonds; and

          (p)  If a public offering of the Purchased
     Bonds is to be made, not to offer or sell any of
     its other debt securities which are substantially
     similar to the Purchased Bonds prior to ten days
     after the time of purchase without your consent.



     
<PAGE>
                              -8-



          4.   Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations.  The
several obligations of the Underwriters hereunder are subject
to the following conditions:

          (a)  That, at the time of purchase, you shall
     receive the signed opinions of Hinkle, Cox, Eaton,
     Coffield & Hensley; Cahill Gordon & Reindel;
     Rainey, Ross, Rice & Binns; and Foulston &
     Siefkin, counsel for the Company, and counsel for
     the Underwriters, substantially in the forms here-
     tofore furnished to you, addressed to the Under-
     writers (with reproduced or conformed copies
     thereof for each of the other Underwriters); and
     that, at the time of purchase, you shall receive
     the signed letters of the independent public
     accountants of the Company, substantially in the
     form heretofore furnished to you and in substance
     satisfactory to you addressed to the Underwriters
     (with reproduced or conformed copies thereof for
     each of the other Underwriters);

          (b)  That, at or before 5:30 P.M. on the date
     hereof, or at such later time and day as you may
     have from time to time consented to in writing or
     by telephone, confirmed in writing, the orders of
     the New Mexico Public Utility Commission and the
     Corporation Commission of Oklahoma, necessary to
     permit the issue, sale and delivery of the Pur-
     chased Bonds shall have been issued; at the time
     of purchase such orders shall be in full force and
     effect; and prior to such time of purchase no stop
     order with respect to the effectiveness of the
     Registration Statement shall have been issued
     under the Act by the Commission and at such time
     of purchase no proceedings therefor shall be pend-
     ing or threatened;

          (c)  That, at the time the Registration
     Statement became effective, the Registration
     Statement did not contain an untrue statement of a
     material fact or omit to state a material fact
     required to be stated therein or necessary to make
     the statements therein not misleading, and that at
     the time of purchase the Prospectus shall not con-
     tain an untrue statement of a material fact or
     omit to state a material fact required to be
     stated therein or necessary to make the statements


     
<PAGE>
                              -9-



     therein, in the light of the circumstances under
     which they were made, not misleading, other than
     any statement contained in, or any matter omitted
     from, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
     in reliance upon, and in conformity with, informa-
     tion furnished in writing by or on behalf of any
     Underwriter through you to the Company expressly
     for use with reference to such Underwriter in the
     Registration Statement or Prospectus;

          (d)  That, subsequent to the respective dates
     as of which information is given in the Registra-
     tion Statement and in the Prospectus, at the time
     the Prospectus is first filed, or mailed for fil-
     ing, pursuant to Rule 424 under the Act, and prior
     to the time of purchase, in your opinion no mate-
     rial adverse change, or any development involving
     a prospective material adverse change, in the con-
     dition of the Company, financial or otherwise,
     shall have taken place (other than as referred to
     in or contemplated by the Registration Statement
     and Prospectus as of such time);

          (e)  That the Company shall have performed
     all of its obligations under this Agreement which
     are to be performed by the terms hereof at or
     before the time of purchase;

          (f)  That the Company shall, at the time of
     purchase, deliver to you (with reproduced or con-
     formed copies thereof for each of the other Under-
     writers) a signed certificate of two of its execu-
     tive officers stating that, subsequent to the
     respective dates as of which information is given
     in the Registration Statement and in the Prospec-
     tus, at the time the Prospectus is first filed, or
     mailed for filing, pursuant to Rule 424 under the
     Act, and prior to the time of purchase, no mate-
     rial adverse change, or any development involving
     a prospective material adverse change, in the con-
     dition of the Company, financial or otherwise,
     shall have taken place (other than as referred to
     in or contemplated by the Registration Statement
     and Prospectus as of such time) and also covering
     the matters set forth in (c) and (e) of this Sec-
     tion 4; and



     
<PAGE>
                             -10-



          (g)  That the Company shall have accepted
     Delayed Delivery Contracts in any case where sales
     of Contract Bonds arranged by the Underwriters
     have been approved by the Company.

          5.   Termination of Agreement.  The obligations of
the several Underwriters hereunder shall be subject to termina-
tion in your absolute discretion, if, at any time prior to the
time of purchase, trading in securities on the New York Stock
Exchange shall have been suspended (other than a temporary sus-
pension to provide for an orderly market) or minimum prices
shall have been established on the New York Stock Exchange, or
if a banking moratorium shall have been declared either by the
United States or New York State authorities, or if after the
execution of this Agreement the United States shall have
declared war in accordance with its constitutional processes or
there shall have occurred any material outbreak or escalation
of hostilities or other national or international calamity or
crisis of such magnitude in its effect on the financial markets
of the United States as, in your judgment, to make it impracti-
cable to market the Purchased Bonds.

          If you elect to terminate this Agreement as provided
in this Section 5, the Company and each other Underwriter shall
be notified promptly in writing or by telephone, confirmed in
writing.

          If the sale to the Underwriters of the Underwriters'
Bonds, as herein contemplated, is not carried out by the Under-
writers for any reason permitted hereunder or if such sale is
not carried out because the Company shall be unable to comply
with any of the terms thereof, the Company shall not be under
any obligation or liability under this Agreement (except to the
extent provided in Sections 3(l), 3(m), 7(b) and 9 hereof), and
the Underwriters shall be under no obligation or liability to
the Company (except to the extent provided in Sections 8(b) and
9 hereof) or to one another under this Agreement.

          6.   Increase in Underwriters' Commitments:  If any
Underwriter shall default in its obligation to take up and pay
for the Purchased Bonds to be purchased by it hereunder and if
the principal amount of the Purchased Bonds which all Under-
writers so defaulting shall have so failed to take up and pay
for does not exceed 10% of the total principal amount of the
Purchased Bonds, the non-defaulting Underwriters shall take up
and pay for (in addition to the principal amount of the Pur-
chased Bonds they are obligated to purchase pursuant to this


     
<PAGE>
                             -11-



Agreement) the principal amount of the Purchased Bonds agreed
to be purchased by all such defaulting Underwriters, as herein
provided.  Such Purchased Bonds shall be taken up and paid for
by such non-defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters in such
amount or amounts as you may designate with the consent of each
Underwriter so designated or, in the event no such designation
is made, such Purchased Bonds shall be taken up and paid for by
all non-defaulting Underwriters pro rata in proportion to the
principal amount of the Purchased Bonds set opposite the names
of all such non-defaulting Underwriters in Schedule A to the
Purchase Agreement.

          Without relieving any defaulting Underwriter of its
obligations hereunder, the Company agrees with the non-default-
ing Underwriters that it will not sell any Purchased Bonds
hereunder unless all of the Underwriters' Bonds are purchased
by the Underwriters (or by substituted Underwriters selected by
you with the approval of the Company or selected by the Company
with your approval).

          If a new underwriter or underwriters are substituted
by the Underwriters or by the Company for a defaulting Under-
writer or Underwriters in accordance with the foregoing provi-
sion, the Company or you will have the right to postpone the
time of purchase for a period of not exceeding five business
days in order that necessary changes in the Registration State-
ment and Prospectus and other documents may be effected.

          The term Underwriter as used in this Agreement will
refer to and include any underwriter substituted under this
Section 6 with like effect as if such substituted underwriter
had originally been named in Schedule A to the Purchase
Agreement.

          7.   Warranties and Representations of and Indemnity
by the Company.  (a)  The Company warrants and represents that,
when the Registration Statement became effective, the Registra-
tion Statement complied in all material respects, and, when the
Prospectus is first filed, or mailed for filing, pursuant to
Rule 424 under the Act, the Prospectus will comply in all mate-
rial respects with the provisions of the Act, and that neither
will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or neces-
sary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided,
however, that the Company makes no warranty or representation
with respect to any statement contained in, or any matter omit-
ted from, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in


     
<PAGE>
                             -12-



reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in
writing by or on behalf of any Underwriter through you to the
Company expressly for use with reference to the Underwriter in
the Registration Statement or Prospectus.  The Company also
warrants and represents that the documents incorporated by
reference in the Prospectus comply in all material respects
with the requirements of the Exchange Act and any additional
documents deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Pro-
spectus will, when they are filed with the Commission, comply
in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange
Act, and will not contain an untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
therein, or necessary to make the statements therein, in the
light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
misleading.

          (b)  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harm-
less each Underwriter, and any person who controls any Under-
writer within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section
20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any loss, expense,
liability or claim which arises out of or is based upon any
alleged untrue statement of a material fact in the Registration
Statement, any prospectus contained in the Registration State-
ment at the time it became effective or the Prospectus, or any
related preliminary prospectus, or arises out of or is based
upon any alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the state-
ments made therein not misleading.  The foregoing shall not
cover any such loss, expense, liability or claim, however,
which arises out of or is based upon any alleged untrue state-
ment of a material fact contained in, and in conformity with
information furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Under-
writer through you to the Company expressly for use with refer-
ence to the Underwriter in, any such documents or arises out of
or is based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact
in connection with such information required to be stated in
any such documents or necessary to make such information not
misleading.

          If any action is brought against an Underwriter or
controlling person in respect of which indemnity may be sought
against the Company pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, such
Underwriter shall promptly notify the Company in writing or by
telephone, confirmed in writing, of the institution of such
action and the Company shall assume the defense of such action,
including the employment of counsel and payment of expenses.
Such Underwriter or controlling person shall have the right to


     
<PAGE>
                             -13-



employ its or their own counsel in any such case, but the fees
and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such
Underwriter or such controlling person unless the employment of
such counsel shall have been authorized in writing by the Com-
pany in connection with the defense of such action or the Com-
pany shall not have employed counsel to have charge of the
defense of such action or such indemnified party or parties
shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses
available to it or them which are different from or additional
to those available to the Company (in which case the Company
shall not have the right to direct the defense of such action
on behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in any of which
events such fees and expenses of one counsel for all indem-
nified parties selected by you shall be borne by the Company.
Anything in this paragraph to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any such
claim or action effected without its written consent.  The Com-
pany's indemnity agreement contained in this Section 7(b) and
its warranties and representations contained in this Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any inves-
tigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or controlling
person, and shall survive any termination of this Agreement or
the issuance and delivery of the Purchased Bonds.  The Company
agrees promptly to notify the Underwriters of the commencement
of any litigation or proceedings against the Company or any of
its officers or directors in connection with the issue and sale
of the Purchased Bonds or with such Registration Statement or
Prospectus.

          8.   Warranties and Representations of and Indemnity
by Underwriters.  (a)  Each Underwriter warrants and represents
that the information furnished in writing by or on behalf of
such Underwriter through you to the Company expressly for use
with reference to such Underwriter in the Registration State-
ment at the time it became effective or the Prospectus, or any
related preliminary prospectus does not contain an untrue
statement of a material fact and does not omit to state a mate-
rial fact in connection with such information required to be
stated in the Registration Statement at the time it became
effective or the Prospectus, or any related preliminary pro-
spectus or necessary to make such information not misleading.
Each Underwriter, in addition to other information furnished by
such Underwriter or on its behalf through you to the Company in
writing expressly for use with reference to such Underwriter in
the Registration Statement and Prospectus, hereby furnishes to
the Company in writing expressly for use with reference to such
Underwriter the statements with respect to the terms of


     
<PAGE>
                             -14-



offering of the Purchased Bonds by the Underwriters set forth
on the cover page of the Prospectus Supplement and under
"Underwriting" therein.

          (b)  Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify
and hold harmless the Company, its directors and its officers
from and against any loss, expense, liability or claim which
arises out of or is based upon any alleged untrue statement of
a material fact contained in, and in conformity with informa-
tion furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Underwriter
through you to the Company expressly for use with reference to
such Underwriter in, the Registration Statement, any prospectus
contained in the Registration Statement at the time it became
effective or the Prospectus, or any related preliminary pro-
spectus, or arises out of or is based upon any alleged omission
to state a material fact in connection with such information
required to be stated in such documents or necessary to make
such information not misleading.

          If any action is brought against the Company or any
such person in respect of which indemnity may be sought against
any Underwriter pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, the Com-
pany or such person shall promptly notify such Underwriter in
writing or by telephone, confirmed in writing, of the institu-
tion of such action and such Underwriter shall assume the
defense of such action, including the employment of counsel and
payment of expenses.  The Company or such person shall have the
right to employ its or their own counsel in any such case, but
the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense
of the Company or such person unless the employment of such
counsel shall have been authorized in writing by such Under-
writer in connection with the defense of such action or such
Underwriter shall not have employed counsel to have charge of
the defense of such action or such indemnified party or parties
shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses
available to it or them which are different from or additional
to those available to such Underwriter (in which case such
Underwriter shall not have the right to direct the defense of
such action on behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in
any of which events such fees and expenses for all indemnified
parties of one counsel selected by the Company shall be borne
by such Underwriter.  Anything in this paragraph to the con-
trary notwithstanding, no Underwriter shall be liable for any
settlement of any such claim or action effected without the
written consent of such Underwriter.  The indemnity agreement
on the part of each Underwriter contained in this Section 8(b)
shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any


     
<PAGE>
                             -15-



investigation made by or on behalf of the Company or such per-
son, and shall survive any termination of this Agreement or the
issuance and delivery of the Purchased Bonds.  Each Underwriter
agrees promptly to notify the Company of the commencement of
any litigation or proceedings against such Underwriter in con-
nection with the issue and sale of the Purchased Bonds or with
such Registration Statement or Prospectus.

          9.   Contribution.  If the indemnification provided
for in Sections 7(b) or 8(b) above is unavailable in respect of
any losses, expenses, liabilities or claims referred to
therein, then the parties entitled to indemnification by the
terms thereof shall be entitled to contribution to liabilities
and expenses except to the extent that contribution is not per-
mitted under the Act or the Exchange Act.  In determining the
amount of contribution to which the respective parties are
entitled, there shall be considered the relative benefits
received by each party from the offering of the Purchased Bonds
(taking into account the portion of the proceeds of the offer-
ing realized by each), the parties' relative knowledge and
access to information concerning the matter with respect to
which the claim was asserted, the opportunity to correct and
prevent any statement or omission, and any other equitable con-
siderations appropriate under the circumstances.  The Company
and the Underwriters and such controlling persons agree that it
would not be equitable if the amount of such contribution were
determined by pro rata or per capita allocation (even if the
Underwriters and such controlling persons were treated as one
entity for such purpose).  The contribution agreement contained
in this Section 9 shall remain in full force and effect regard-
less of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Under-
writer or the Company or any of its officers or directors or
any controlling person and shall survive any termination of
this Agreement or the issuance and delivery of the Purchased
Bonds.

          10.  Notices.  All statements, requests, notices and
agreements shall be in writing or by telegram and, if to the
Underwriters, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered
or sent by registered mail to the address furnished in writing
for the purpose of such statements, requests, notices and
agreements hereunder, and, if to the Company shall be suffi-
cient in all respects if delivered or sent by registered mail
to the Company at Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo, Texas 79101, Atten-
tion:  Chairman of the Board.




     
<PAGE>
                             -16-



          11.  Construction.  This Agreement shall be governed
by, and construed in accorance with, the laws of the State of
New York.
          
          The section headings in this Agreement have been
inserted as a matter of convenience of reference and are not a
part of this agreement.

          12.  Parties in Interest.  The Agreement herein set
forth has been and is made solely for the benefit of the Under-
writers and the Company, and the controlling persons, directors
and officers referred to in Sections 7, 8 and 9 hereof, and
their respective successors, assigns, executors and administra-
tors, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under
or by virtue of this Agreement.  Nothing in this Agreement is
intended or shall be construed to give to any other person,
firm or corporation (including, without limitation, any pur-
chaser of the Purchased Bonds from an Underwriter or any subse-
quent holder thereof or any purchaser of any Contract Bonds or
any subsequent holder thereof) any legal or equitable right,
remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any
provision herein contained.

          The term "successor" as used in this Agreement shall
not include any purchaser, as such purchaser, of any Purchased
Bonds from any Underwriter or any subsequent holder thereof or
any purchaser, as such purchaser, of any Contract Bonds or any
subsequent holder thereof.

          13.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in
any number of counterparts which, taken together, shall consti-
tute one and the same instrument.

















     
<PAGE>
                          Schedule I

                   DELAYED DELIVERY CONTRACT


                                    Dated:               , 199 



SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Tyler at Sixth
Amarillo, Texas 79101
Attention:

Dear Sirs:

          The undersigned hereby agrees to purchase from South-
western Public Service Company (the "Company"), and the Company
agrees to sell to the undersigned,

                     $___________________

principal amount of the Company's [state title of issue] (the
"Bonds") offered by the Company's Prospectus dated
             , 199  and a Prospectus Supplement dated
            , 199 , receipt of copies of which is hereby
acknowledged, at a purchase price of     % of the principal
amount thereof plus accrued interest and on the further terms
and conditions set forth in this contract.

          The undersigned agrees to purchase such Bonds in the
principal amounts and on the delivery dates (the "Delivery
Dates") set forth below:


    Delivery            Principal         Plus Accrued
      Date               Amount          Interest From:
    --------            ---------        --------------


________________    $_______________    ________________


________________    $_______________    ________________


________________    $_______________    ________________


          Payment for the Bonds which the undersigned has
agreed to purchase on each Delivery Date shall be made to the


     
<PAGE>
                              -2-



Company or its order by certified or bank cashier's check in
_______________________________* funds at the Corporate Trust
Office of               (or at such other place as the under-
signed and the Company shall agree) at 11:00 A.M., New York
City Time, on such Delivery Date upon issuance and delivery to
the undersigned of the Bonds to be purchased by the undersigned
on such Delivery Date in such authorized denominations and,
unless otherwise provided herein, registered in such names as
the undersigned may designate by written or telegraphic commu-
nications addressed to the Company not less than five full
business days prior to such Delivery Date.

          The obligation of the Company to sell and deliver,
and of the undersigned to take delivery of and make payment
for, Bonds on each Delivery Date shall be subject to the condi-
tions that (1) the purchase of Bonds to be made by the under-
signed shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under
the laws of the jurisdiction to which the undersigned is sub-
ject, (2) the sale of the Bonds by the Company pursuant to this
contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under
the laws of any jurisdiction to which the Company is subject
and (3) the Company shall have sold, and delivery shall have
taken place, to the Underwriters of such principal amount of
the Bonds as is to be sold and delivered to them.  In the event
that Bonds are not sold to the undersigned because one of the
foregoing conditions is not met, the Company shall not be lia-
ble to the undersigned for damages arising out of the transac-
tions covered by this contract.

          Promptly after completion of the sale and delivery to
the Underwriters, the Company will mail or deliver to the
undersigned at its address set forth below notice to such
effect, accompanied by copies of the opinions of counsel for
the Company delivered to the Underwriters.

          Failure to take delivery of and make payment for
Bonds by any purchaser under any other Delayed Delivery Con-
tract shall not relieve the undersigned of its obligations
under this contract.

          The undersigned represents and warrants that (a) as
of the date of this contract, the undersigned is not prohibited
under the laws of the jurisdictions to which the undersigned is
subject from purchasing the Bonds hereby agreed to be purchased
_________________________
*    Insert same day or New York Clearing House funds.


     
<PAGE>
                              -3-



and (b) the undersigned does not contemplate selling the Bonds
which it has agreed to purchase hereunder prior to the Delivery
Date therefor.

          This contract will inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the parties hereto and their respective succes-
sors, but will not be assignable by either party hereto without
the written consent of the other.  This contract shall be gov-
erned by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State
of New York.  This contract may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but
all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.

          It is understood that the acceptance of any Delayed
Delivery Contract is in the Company's sole discretion and,
without limiting the foregoing, need not be on a first-come,
first-served basis.  If the contract is acceptable to the Com-
pany, it is requested that the Company sign the form of accep-
tance below and mail or deliver one of the counterparts hereof
to the undersigned at its address set forth below.  This will
become a binding contract between the Company and the under-
signed when such counterpart is so signed.

                                   Yours very truly,

                           ____________________________________

                         By____________________________________

                           ____________________________________

                           ____________________________________
                                        Address


Accepted, as of the date first above written


Southwestern Public Service Company


By_________________________________






     
<PAGE>
                              -4-



        PURCHASER -- PLEASE COMPLETE AT TIME OF SIGNING


          The name and telephone and department of the repre-
sentative of the Purchaser with whom details of delivery on the
Delivery Date may be discussed are as follows:

(Please print.)

                         Telephone No.
Name                  (Including Area Code)       Department






































     
<PAGE>
              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

                      PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                     FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS


                            [Date]



Southwestern Public Service Company
Tyler at Sixth
Amarillo, Texas  79101

Dear Sirs:

          Referring to the First Mortgage Bonds (the "Bonds")
of Southwestern Public Service Company (the "Company") covered
by registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-_____), such reg-
istration statement including (i) the prospectus included
therein, dated __________, ____, as supplemented by a prospec-
tus supplement dated __________, ____ in the form first filed
under Rule 424 and any additional prospectus supplements relat-
ing to the Bonds filed under Rule 424 (such prospectus as so
supplemented, including each document incorporated by reference
therein is hereinafter called the "Prospectus") and (ii) all
documents filed as part thereof or incorporated by reference
therein, is hereinafter called the "Registration Statement" on
the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements
contained in this Agreement, but subject to the terms and con-
ditions herein set forth, the purchaser or purchasers named in 
Schedule A hereto (the "Underwriters") severally agree to purchase 
and the Company agrees to sell to each Underwriter the principal 
amount of the Company's Bonds having the terms described below (the 
"Purchased Bonds") set forth opposite the name of each Underwriter
on Schedule A hereto.

          The price at which the Purchased Bonds shall be pur-
chased from the Company by the Underwriters shall be ______%
plus accrued interest from _______.  The initial public offer-
ing price shall be ______% plus accrued interest from _______.
The Purchased Bonds will be offered by the Underwriters as set
forth in the Prospectus relating to such Purchased Bonds.








     
<PAGE>
                              -2-



          The Purchased Bonds will have the following terms:

          
          Title of Bonds:          First Mortgage Bonds, 
                                        % Series due 
                                   -----------------------
          Interest rate:                % per annum
                                   -----------------------
          Interest Payment Dates:  ___________ and __________,
                                   commencing on ____________,
                                   Interest payable on
                                   __________, ____ will accrue
                                   from ________.

          Maturity:                ___________________________

          Redemption Provisions:   ___________________________
                                   ___________________________
                                   ___________________________
                                   ___________________________

          Sinking Fund Provisions: ___________________________
                                   ___________________________
                                   ___________________________
                                   ___________________________

          Other:                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________


          Payment for the
          Purchased Bonds
          shall be made in
          the following funds:     ____________________________

          The time of purchase
          shall be:                ____________________________

          The place(s) at which
          the Purchased Bonds
          shall be delivered and
          sold shall be:           ____________________________
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________


     
<PAGE>
                              -3-



Delayed 
Delivery
Contracts: [authorized] 
           [not authorized]

           [Delivery Date           _______________________


           Minimum principal
           amount of Purchased
           Bonds to be sold
           pursuant to any
           Delayed Delivery
           Contract:                _______________________


           Maximum aggregate
           principal amount of
           Purchased Bonds
           to be sold pursuant
           to all Delayed
           Delivery Contracts:      _______________________


           Compensation to
           Underwriters:            _______________________]*



          Notices to the Underwriters shall be sent to the follow-
ing address or telecopier number:




          If we are acting as Representative(s) for the several
Underwriters named in Schedule A hereto, we represent that we are
authorized to act for such several Underwriters in connection
with the transactions contemplated in this Agreement, and that,
if there are more than one of us, any action under this Agreement
taken by any of us will be binding upon all the Underwriters.

          All of the provisions contained in the document enti-
tled "Southwestern Public Service Company Standard Purchase

- -------------------------

*    Delete bracketed information if delayed delivery contracts
     are not authorized.


     
<PAGE>
                              -4-



Provisions - First Mortgage Bonds", a copy of which has been
previously furnished to us, are hereby incorporated by reference
in their entirety and shall be deemed to be a part of this Agree-
ment to the same extent as if such provisions had been set forth
in full herein.

          If the foregoing is in accordance with your understand-
ing of our agreement, kindly sign and return to us the enclosed
duplicate hereof, whereupon it will become a binding agreement
between the Company and each Underwriter in accordance with its
terms.

                              Very truly yours,

                              [Firm Name]

                              By _________________________
                                 Title: __________________

                              [Firm Name]

                              By _________________________
                                 Title: __________________

                                 Acting on behalf of and as
                                 Representative(s) of the
                                 several Underwriters named in
                                 Schedule A hereto.*

The foregoing Purchase
Agreement is hereby confirmed
as of the date first above
written.


SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY


By ___________________________
   Title: __________________


_________________________
*    To be deleted if the Purchase Agreement is not executed by
     one or more Underwriters acting as Representative(s) of
     the Underwriters for purposes of this Agreement.


     
<PAGE>
                           SCHEDULE A


                                                  Principal
Name of Underwriter                                 Amount 
- -------------------                               ---------



















Total                                              __________
                                                  $          

























     


                                                   Exhibit 1(c)















              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

                   UNSECURED DEBT SECURITIES

                 STANDARD PURCHASE PROVISIONS

                           INCLUDING

                  FORM OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT




























     
<PAGE>


              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
                STANDARD PURCHASE PROVISIONS -
                   UNSECURED DEBT SECURITIES     


          From time to time, Southwestern Public Service Com-
pany, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of
the State of New Mexico (the "Company"), may enter into pur-
chase agreements that provide for the sale of designated secu-
rities to the purchaser or purchasers named therein.  The stan-
dard provisions set forth herein may be incorporated by refer-
ence in any such purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement").
The Purchase Agreement, including the provisions incorporated
therein by reference, is herein sometimes referred to as "this
Agreement."  The term "Securities" shall mean the Unsecured
Debt Securities of the Company to be sold by the Company pursu-
ant to the applicable Purchase Agreement.  Unless otherwise
defined herein, terms defined in the Purchase Agreement are
used herein as therein defined.

          The Company has filed, in accordance with the provi-
sions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
thereunder (collectively called the "Act"), with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), a registration
statement on Form S-3 (including a prospectus), relating to
shares of Preferred Stock of the Company, First Mortgage Bonds,
and the Securities, which pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3
incorporates by reference documents which the Company has filed
in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereun-
der (collectively called the "Exchange Act").  Such registra-
tion statement has been declared effective by the Commission.
Promptly upon the execution of this Agreement, the Company will
prepare a prospectus supplement relating to the Securities (the
"Prospectus Supplement").  The Company has furnished to you,
for use by the Underwriters (as defined herein) and dealers,
copies of one or more preliminary prospectuses and the docu-
ments so incorporated therein (each thereof, including the doc-
uments so incorporated therein, is herein called the "Prelimi-
nary Prospectus").  The terms Registration Statement and Pro-
spectus shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Pur-
chase Agreement.

          1.   Introductory.  The Company proposes to issue and
sell from time to time Securities registered under the Regis-
tration Statement.  The Securities will be issued pursuant to
an Indenture, dated             , to                 as Trustee


     
<PAGE>
                              -2-



(the "Trustee"), as supplemented and amended, including a sup-
plemental indenture pertaining to the particular series of
Securities involved in the offering (the "Indenture"), and will
have varying designations, interest rates and times of payment
of any interest, maturities, redemption provisions and other
terms, with all such terms for any particular series of the
Securities being determined at the time of the sale and set
forth in the Purchase Agreement and the Prospectus Supplement
relating to such series of Securities.  The Securities involved
in any such offering are hereinafter referred to as the "Pur-
chased Securities," and the firm or firms, as the case may be,
which agree to purchase the same are hereinafter referred to as
the "Underwriters" of the Purchased Securities.  The terms
"you" and "your" refer to those Underwriters who sign the Pur-
chase Agreement either on behalf of themselves only or on
behalf of themselves and as representatives of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule A thereto, as the case may be.
Purchased Securities to be purchased by Underwriters are herein
referred to as "Underwriters' Securities," and any Purchased
Securities to be purchased pursuant to Delayed Delivery Con-
tracts (as defined below) as hereinafter provided are herein
referred to as "Contract Securities."

          2.   Delivery and Payment.  The Company will deliver
the Underwriters' Securities to you for the accounts of the
Underwriters at the place specified in the Purchase Agreement,
against payment of the purchase price by certified or bank
cashier's check in same day or New York Clearing House funds
(as agreed to by the parties and specified in the Purchase
Agreement) drawn to the order of the Company, at the time set
forth in this Agreement or at such other time not later than
seven full business days thereafter as you and the Company
determine, such time being herein referred to as the "time of
purchase."  Unless otherwise provided for in the Purchase
Agreement, the Underwriters' Securities so to be delivered will
be in definitive fully registered form registered in such
authorized denominations and in such names as you request in
writing not later than 10:00 A.M.,* on the third business day
prior to the time of purchase, or, if no such request is
received, in the names of the respective Underwriters in the
amounts agreed to be purchased by them pursuant to this Agree-
ment.  For the purpose of expediting the checking of the Under-
writers' Securities, the Company agrees to make the Underwrit-
ers' Securities available to you (at the place specified in the
_________________________
*    Times mentioned herein are New York City Time.


     
<PAGE>
                              -3-



Purchase Agreement) in definitive form not later than 10:00
A.M. on the first business day preceding the time of purchase.*

          If any Purchase Agreement provides for sales of Pur-
chased Securities pursuant to delayed delivery contracts, the
Company authorizes the Underwriters to solicit offers to pur-
chase Contract Securities pursuant to delayed delivery con-
tracts substantially in the form of Schedule I attached hereto
(the "Delayed Delivery Contracts") with such changes therein as
the Company may approve.  Delayed Delivery Contracts are to be
with institutional investors, including commercial and savings
banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment com-
panies, and educational and charitable institutions.  At the
time of purchase the Company will pay you as compensation, for
the accounts of the Underwriters, the compensation set forth in
such Purchase Agreement in respect of the principal amount of
Contract Securities.  The Underwriters will not have any
responsibility in respect of the validity or the performance of
Delayed Delivery Contracts.  If the Company executes and deliv-
ers Delayed Delivery Contracts, the Contract Securities shall
be deducted from the Purchased Securities to be purchased by
the several Underwriters and the aggregate principal amount of
Purchased Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter shall
be reduced pro rata in proportion to the principal amount of
Purchased Securities set forth opposite each Underwriter's name
in such Purchase Agreement, except to the extent that you
determine that such reduction shall be otherwise allocated and
so advise the Company.

          3.   Certain Covenants of the Company.  The Company
agrees:

          (a)  As soon as possible after the execution
     and delivery of this Agreement to file, or mail
     for filing, the Prospectus with the Commission
     pursuant to its Rule 424 under the Act and, if and
     when required at any time after such execution and
     delivery, to file amendments to the applications
     the Company has previously filed with any state
     regulatory agencies having jurisdiction to govern
     the Company's issuance of its securities setting
     forth, among other things, the necessary informa-
     tion with respect to the price and terms of the
_________________________
*    As used herein, "business day" shall mean a day on which
     the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.


     
<PAGE>
                              -4-



     Purchased Securities and the terms of offering of
     the Purchased Securities;

          (b)  To file no amendment or supplement to
     the Registration Statement or Prospectus subse-
     quent to the execution of this Agreement to which
     you object in writing;

          (c)  To furnish such proper information as
     may be required and otherwise to cooperate in
     qualifying the Purchased Securities for sale under
     the laws of such jurisdictions as you may desig-
     nate and in determining their eligibility for
     investment under the laws of such jurisdictions;
     provided that the Company shall not be required to
     qualify as a foreign corporation or to file a gen-
     eral consent to service of process in any
     jurisdiction;

          (d)  To the extent not previously furnished
     to you, to furnish to you two signed copies of the
     Registration Statement, as initially filed with
     the Commission, of all amendments thereto, and of
     all documents incorporated by reference therein
     (including all exhibits filed therewith, other
     than exhibits which have previously been furnished
     to you), two signed copies of each consent and
     certificate of independent accountants and of each
     other person who by his profession gives authority
     to statements made by him and who is named in the
     Registration Statement as having prepared, certi-
     fied or reviewed any part thereof, and to furnish
     to you sufficient unsigned copies of the foregoing
     (other than exhibits, including consents filed as
     exhibits, to the Registration Statement) for dis-
     tribution of a copy to you and to each of the
     other Underwriters;

          (e)  To deliver to the Underwriters without
     charge in New York City as soon as practicable
     after the execution and delivery of this Agreement
     and thereafter from time to time to furnish to the
     Underwriters, without charge, as many copies of
     the Prospectus in final form and any documents
     incorporated by reference therein at or after the
     date thereof (or as amended or supplemented, if
     the Company shall have made any amendment or


     
<PAGE>
                              -5-



     supplement after the effective date of the
     Registration Statement) as you or the respective
     Underwriters may reasonably request for the pur-
     poses contemplated by the Act;

          (f)  To advise you promptly (confirming such
     advice in writing) of any official request made by
     the Commission for amendments to the Registration
     Statement or Prospectus or for additional informa-
     tion with respect thereto, or of official notice
     of institution of proceedings for, or the entry
     of, a stop order suspending the effectiveness of
     the Registration Statement and, if such order
     should be entered by the Commission, to make every
     reasonable effort to obtain the lifting or removal
     thereof as soon as possible, or of the suspension
     of qualification of the Purchased Securities for
     offering or sale in any jurisdiction or of the
     initiation or threatening of any proceeding for
     any such purpose;

          (g)  To apply the net proceeds from the sale
     of the Purchased Securities in the manner set
     forth in the Prospectus;

          (h)  To furnish to you during a period of
     five years from the time of purchase (i) as soon
     as practicable after the end of each fiscal year,
     a copy of its annual report to shareholders for
     such year; (ii) from time to time, copies of any
     reports or other communications which it shall
     file with the Commission or any governmental
     agency substituted therefor under the Exchange Act
     or sent to its stockholders, or holders of the
     Purchased Securities, and (iii) such other infor-
     mation as you may from time to time reasonably
     request regarding the financial condition and
     operations of the Company;

          (i)  To furnish to any other Underwriter cop-
     ies of such of the financial statements, reports
     or other information referred to in the foregoing
     subparagraphs (h)(i) and (ii) as such Underwriter
     may, from time to time during the period you are
     entitled to receive them, request;




     
<PAGE>
                              -6-



          (j)  To advise the Underwriters of the hap-
     pening of any event known to the Company within
     the time during which a prospectus relating to the
     Purchased Securities is required to be delivered
     under the Act which, in the judgment of the Com-
     pany, would require the making of any change in
     the Prospectus or any amended or supplemented Pro-
     spectus or in the information incorporated by ref-
     erence therein so that as thereafter delivered to
     purchasers such Prospectus will not include an
     untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
     state a material fact required to be stated
     therein or necessary in order to make the state-
     ments therein, in the light of the circumstances
     under which they were made, not misleading, and on
     request to prepare and furnish to the Underwriters
     and to dealers and other persons designated by you
     such amendments or supplements (including appro-
     priate filings under the Exchange Act) to the Pro-
     spectus as may be necessary to reflect any such
     change, provided that the Company shall be so
     obligated only so long as the Company  is notified
     of unsold allotments (failure by the Underwriters
     to so notify the Company cancels the Company's
     obligation under this Section 3(j));

          (k)  As soon as practicable, to make gener-
     ally available to its security holders an earnings
     statement (as contemplated by Rule 158 under the
     Act) covering a period of twelve months after the
     effective date of the Registration Statement;

          (l)  To pay the fees and expenses of counsel
     for the Underwriters, and to reimburse the Under-
     writers for their reasonable out-of-pocket
     expenses incurred in contemplation of the perfor-
     mance of this Agreement, in the event that the
     Underwriters' Securities are not delivered to and
     taken up and paid for by the Underwriters hereun-
     der for any reason whatsoever except the failure
     or refusal of any Underwriter to take up and pay
     for Underwriters' Securities for some reason not
     permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the
     Underwriters agreeing to pay the fees and expenses
     of counsel for the Underwriters in any other
     event;



     
<PAGE>
                              -7-



          (m)  To pay all expenses, fees and taxes
     (other than transfer taxes and fees and disburse-
     ments of counsel for the Underwriters except as
     set forth under 3(l) above or (iv) below) in con-
     nection with (i) the preparation and filing of the
     Registration Statement, each Preliminary Prospec-
     tus and the Prospectus, any documents incorporated
     by reference therein at or after the date thereof
     and any amendments or supplements thereto, and the
     printing or reproduction and furnishing of copies
     of each thereof to the Underwriters and to deal-
     ers, (ii) the issue, sale and delivery of the Pur-
     chased Securities, (iii) the printing or reproduc-
     tion of this Agreement and the opinions and let-
     ters referred to in Section 4(a) hereof, (iv) the
     qualification of the Purchased Securities for sale
     and determination of their eligibility for invest-
     ment under state laws as aforesaid, including the
     legal fees and all filing fees and disbursements
     of counsel for the Underwriters and all other fil-
     ing fees, and the printing or reproduction and
     furnishing of copies of the "Blue Sky Survey" and
     the "Legal Investment Survey" to the Underwriters
     and to dealers, (v) the rating of the Purchased
     Securities by national rating agencies and
     (vi) the performance of the Company's other obli-
     gations hereunder;

          (n)  To furnish to you as early as practi-
     cable prior to the time of purchase, but no later
     than two business days prior thereto, a copy of
     the latest available unaudited interim consoli-
     dated financial statements, if any, of the Company
     which have been read by the Company's independent
     public accountants as stated in their letters to
     be furnished pursuant to Section 4(a) of this
     Agreement; and

          (o)  If a public offering of the Purchased
     Securities is to be made, not to offer or sell any
     of its other debt securities which are substan-
     tially similar to the Purchased Securities prior
     to ten days after the time of purchase without
     your consent.





     
<PAGE>
                              -8-



          4.   Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations.  The
several obligations of the Underwriters hereunder are subject
to the following conditions:

          (a)  That, at the time of purchase, you shall
     receive the signed opinions of Hinkle, Cox, Eaton,
     Coffield & Hensley; and Cahill Gordon & Reindel,
     and Rainey, Ross, Rice & Binns; and Foulston &
     Siefkin, counsel for the Company, and counsel for
     the Underwriters, substantially in the forms here-
     tofore furnished to you, addressed to the Under-
     writers (with reproduced or conformed copies
     thereof for each of the other Underwriters); and
     that, at the time of purchase, you shall receive
     the signed letters of the independent public
     accountants of the Company, substantially in the
     form heretofore furnished to you and in substance
     satisfactory to you addressed to the Underwriters
     (with reproduced or conformed copies thereof for
     each of the other Underwriters);

          (b)  That, at or before 5:30 P.M. on the date
     hereof, or at such later time and day as you may
     have from time to time consented to in writing or
     by telephone, confirmed in writing, the orders of
     the New Mexico Public Utility Commission and the
     Corporation Commission of Oklahoma, necessary to
     permit the issue, sale and delivery of the Pur-
     chased Securities shall have been issued; at the
     time of purchase such orders shall be in full
     force and effect; and prior to such time of pur-
     chase no stop order with respect to the effective-
     ness of the Registration Statement shall have been
     issued under the Act by the Commission and at such
     time of purchase no proceedings therefor shall be
     pending or threatened;

          (c)  That, at the time the Registration
     Statement became effective, the Registration
     Statement did not contain an untrue statement of a
     material fact or omit to state a material fact
     required to be stated therein or necessary to make
     the statements therein not misleading, and that at
     the time of purchase the Prospectus shall not con-
     tain an untrue statement of a material fact or
     omit to state a material fact required to be
     stated therein or necessary to make the statements


     
<PAGE>
                              -9-



     therein, in the light of the circumstances under
     which they were made, not misleading, other than
     any statement contained in, or any matter omitted
     from, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
     in reliance upon, and in conformity with, informa-
     tion furnished in writing by or on behalf of any
     Underwriter through you to the Company expressly
     for use with reference to such Underwriter in the
     Registration Statement or Prospectus;

          (d)  That, subsequent to the respective dates
     as of which information is given in the Registra-
     tion Statement and in the Prospectus, at the time
     the Prospectus is first filed, or mailed for fil-
     ing, pursuant to Rule 424 under the Act, and prior
     to the time of purchase, in your opinion no mate-
     rial adverse change, or any development involving
     a prospective material adverse change, in the con-
     dition of the Company, financial or otherwise,
     shall have taken place (other than as referred to
     in or contemplated by the Registration Statement
     and Prospectus as of such time);

          (e)  That the Company shall have performed
     all of its obligations under this Agreement which
     are to be performed by the terms hereof at or
     before the time of purchase;

          (f)  That the Company shall, at the time of
     purchase, deliver to you (with reproduced or con-
     formed copies thereof for each of the other Under-
     writers) a signed certificate of two of its execu-
     tive officers stating that, subsequent to the
     respective dates as of which information is given
     in the Registration Statement and in the Prospec-
     tus, at the time the Prospectus is first filed, or
     mailed for filing, pursuant to Rule 424 under the
     Act, and prior to the time of purchase, no mate-
     rial adverse change, or any development involving
     a prospective material adverse change, in the con-
     dition of the Company, financial or otherwise,
     shall have taken place (other than as referred to
     in or contemplated by the Registration Statement
     and Prospectus as of such time) and also covering
     the matters set forth in (c) and (e) of this Sec-
     tion 4; and



     
<PAGE>
                             -10-



          (g)  That the Company shall have accepted
     Delayed Delivery Contracts in any case where sales
     of Contract Securities arranged by the Underwrit-
     ers have been approved by the Company.

          5.   Termination of Agreement.  The obligations of
the several Underwriters hereunder shall be subject to termina-
tion in your absolute discretion, if, at any time prior to the
time of purchase, trading in securities on the New York Stock
Exchange shall have been suspended (other than a temporary sus-
pension to provide for an orderly market) or minimum prices
shall have been established on the New York Stock Exchange, or
if a banking moratorium shall have been declared either by the
United States or New York State authorities, or if after the
execution of this Agreement the United States shall have
declared war in accordance with its constitutional processes or
there shall have occurred any material outbreak or escalation
of hostilities or other national or international calamity or
crisis of such magnitude in its effect on the financial markets
of the United States as, in your judgment, to make it impracti-
cable to market the Purchased Securities.

          If you elect to terminate this Agreement as provided
in this Section 5, the Company and each other Underwriter shall
be notified promptly in writing or by telephone, confirmed in
writing.

          If the sale to the Underwriters of the Underwriters'
Securities, as herein contemplated, is not carried out by the
Underwriters for any reason permitted hereunder or if such sale
is not carried out because the Company shall be unable to com-
ply with any of the terms thereof, the Company shall not be
under any obligation or liability under this Agreement (except
to the extent provided in Sections 3(l), 3(m), 7(b) and 9
hereof), and the Underwriters shall be under no obligation or
liability to the Company (except to the extent provided in Sec-
tions 8(b) and 9 hereof) or to one another under this
Agreement.

          6.   Increase in Underwriters' Commitments:  If any
Underwriter shall default in its obligation to take up and pay
for the Purchased Securities to be purchased by it hereunder
and if the principal amount of the Purchased Securities which
all Underwriters so defaulting shall have so failed to take up
and pay for does not exceed 10% of the total principal amount
of the Purchased Securities, the non-defaulting Underwriters
shall take up and pay for (in addition to the principal amount


     
<PAGE>
                             -11-



of the Purchased Securities they are obligated to purchase pur-
suant to this Agreement) the principal amount of the Purchased
Securities agreed to be purchased by all such defaulting Under-
writers, as herein provided.  Such Purchased Securities shall
be taken up and paid for by such non-defaulting Underwriter or
Underwriters in such amount or amounts as you may designate
with the consent of each Underwriter so designated or, in the
event no such designation is made, such Purchased Securities
shall be taken up and paid for by all non-defaulting Underwrit-
ers pro rata in proportion to the principal amount of the Pur-
chased Securities set opposite the names of all such non-
defaulting Underwriters in Schedule A to the Purchase
Agreement.

          Without relieving any defaulting Underwriter of its
obligations hereunder, the Company agrees with the non-default-
ing Underwriters that it will not sell any Purchased Securities
hereunder unless all of the Underwriters' Securities are pur-
chased by the Underwriters (or by substituted Underwriters
selected by you with the approval of the Company or selected by
the Company with your approval).

          If a new underwriter or underwriters are substituted
by the Underwriters or by the Company for a defaulting Under-
writer or Underwriters in accordance with the foregoing provi-
sion, the Company or you will have the right to postpone the
time of purchase for a period of not exceeding five business
days in order that necessary changes in the Registration State-
ment and Prospectus and other documents may be effected.

          The term Underwriter as used in this Agreement will
refer to and include any underwriter substituted under this
Section 6 with like effect as if such substituted underwriter
had originally been named in Schedule A to the Purchase
Agreement.

          7.   Warranties and Representations of and Indemnity
by the Company.  (a)  The Company warrants and represents that,
when the Registration Statement became effective, the Registra-
tion Statement complied in all material respects, and, when the
Prospectus is first filed, or mailed for filing, pursuant to
Rule 424 under the Act, the Prospectus will comply in all mate-
rial respects with the provisions of the Act, and that neither
will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or neces-
sary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided,
however, that the Company makes no warranty or representation


     
<PAGE>
                             -12-



with respect to any statement contained in, or any matter omit-
ted from, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in reli-
ance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writ-
ing by or on behalf of any Underwriter through you to the Com-
pany expressly for use with reference to the Underwriter in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus.  The Company also war-
rants and represents that the documents incorporated by refer-
ence in the Prospectus comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the Exchange Act and any additional documents
deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Prospectus will,
when they are filed with the Commission, comply in all material
respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act, and will
not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein, or neces-
sary to make the statements therein, in the light of the cir-
cumstances under which they are made, not misleading.

          (b)  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harm-
less each Underwriter, and any person who controls any Under-
writer within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section
20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any loss, expense,
liability or claim which arises out of or is based upon any
alleged untrue statement of a material fact in the Registration
Statement, any prospectus contained in the Registration State-
ment at the time it became effective or the Prospectus, or any
related preliminary prospectus, or arises out of or is based
upon any alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the state-
ments made therein not misleading.  The foregoing shall not
cover any such loss, expense, liability or claim, however,
which arises out of or is based upon any alleged untrue state-
ment of a material fact contained in, and in conformity with
information furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Under-
writer through you to the Company expressly for use with refer-
ence to the Underwriter in, any such documents or arises out of
or is based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact
in connection with such information required to be stated in
any such documents or necessary to make such information not
misleading.

          If any action is brought against an Underwriter or
controlling person in respect of which indemnity may be sought
against the Company pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, such
Underwriter shall promptly notify the Company in writing or by
telephone, confirmed in writing, of the institution of such
action and the Company shall assume the defense of such action,
including the employment of counsel and payment of expenses.


     
<PAGE>
                             -13-



Such Underwriter or controlling person shall have the right to
employ its or their own counsel in any such case, but the fees
and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such
Underwriter or such controlling person unless the employment of
such counsel shall have been authorized in writing by the Com-
pany in connection with the defense of such action or the Com-
pany shall not have employed counsel to have charge of the
defense of such action or such indemnified party or parties
shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses
available to it or them which are different from or additional
to those available to the Company (in which case the Company
shall not have the right to direct the defense of such action
on behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in any of which
events such fees and expenses of one counsel for all indem-
nified parties selected by you shall be borne by the Company.
Anything in this paragraph to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any such
claim or action effected without its written consent.  The Com-
pany's indemnity agreement contained in this Section 7(b) and
its warranties and representations contained in this Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any inves-
tigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or controlling
person, and shall survive any termination of this Agreement or
the issuance and delivery of the Purchased Securities.  The
Company agrees promptly to notify the Underwriters of the com-
mencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Company
or any of its officers or directors in connection with the
issue and sale of the Purchased Securities or with such Regis-
tration Statement or Prospectus.

          8.   Warranties and Representations of and Indemnity
by Underwriters.  (a)  Each Underwriter warrants and represents
that the information furnished in writing by or on behalf of
such Underwriter through you to the Company expressly for use
with reference to such Underwriter in the Registration State-
ment at the time it became effective or the Prospectus, or any
related preliminary prospectus does not contain an untrue
statement of a material fact and does not omit to state a mate-
rial fact in connection with such information required to be
stated in the Registration Statement at the time it became
effective or the Prospectus, or any related preliminary pro-
spectus or necessary to make such information not misleading.
Each Underwriter, in addition to other information furnished by
such Underwriter or on its behalf through you to the Company in
writing expressly for use with reference to such Underwriter in
the Registration Statement and Prospectus, hereby furnishes to
the Company in writing expressly for use with reference to such


     
<PAGE>
                             -14-



Underwriter the statements with respect to the terms of offer-
ing of the Purchased Securities by the Underwriters set forth
on the cover page of the Prospectus Supplement and under
"Underwriting" therein.

          (b)  Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify
and hold harmless the Company, its directors and its officers
from and against any loss, expense, liability or claim which
arises out of or is based upon any alleged untrue statement of
a material fact contained in, and in conformity with informa-
tion furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Underwriter
through you to the Company expressly for use with reference to
such Underwriter in, the Registration Statement, any prospectus
contained in the Registration Statement at the time it became
effective or the Prospectus, or any related preliminary pro-
spectus, or arises out of or is based upon any alleged omission
to state a material fact in connection with such information
required to be stated in such documents or necessary to make
such information not misleading.

          If any action is brought against the Company or any
such person in respect of which indemnity may be sought against
any Underwriter pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, the Com-
pany or such person shall promptly notify such Underwriter in
writing or by telephone, confirmed in writing, of the institu-
tion of such action and such Underwriter shall assume the
defense of such action, including the employment of counsel and
payment of expenses.  The Company or such person shall have the
right to employ its or their own counsel in any such case, but
the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense
of the Company or such person unless the employment of such
counsel shall have been authorized in writing by such Under-
writer in connection with the defense of such action or such
Underwriter shall not have employed counsel to have charge of
the defense of such action or such indemnified party or parties
shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses
available to it or them which are different from or additional
to those available to such Underwriter (in which case such
Underwriter shall not have the right to direct the defense of
such action on behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in
any of which events such fees and expenses for all indemnified
parties of one counsel selected by the Company shall be borne
by such Underwriter.  Anything in this paragraph to the con-
trary notwithstanding, no Underwriter shall be liable for any
settlement of any such claim or action effected without the
written consent of such Underwriter.  The indemnity agreement
on the part of each Underwriter contained in this Section 8(b)


     
<PAGE>
                             -15-



shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any inves-
tigation made by or on behalf of the Company or such person,
and shall survive any termination of this Agreement or the
issuance and delivery of the Purchased Securities.  Each Under-
writer agrees promptly to notify the Company of the commence-
ment of any litigation or proceedings against such Underwriter
in connection with the issue and sale of the Purchased Securi-
ties or with such Registration Statement or Prospectus.

          9.   Contribution.  If the indemnification provided
for in Sections 7(b) or 8(b) above is unavailable in respect of
any losses, expenses, liabilities or claims referred to
therein, then the parties entitled to indemnification by the
terms thereof shall be entitled to contribution to liabilities
and expenses except to the extent that contribution is not per-
mitted under the Act or the Exchange Act.  In determining the
amount of contribution to which the respective parties are
entitled, there shall be considered the relative benefits
received by each party from the offering of the Purchased Secu-
rities (taking into account the portion of the proceeds of the
offering realized by each), the parties' relative knowledge and
access to information concerning the matter with respect to
which the claim was asserted, the opportunity to correct and
prevent any statement or omission, and any other equitable con-
siderations appropriate under the circumstances.  The Company
and the Underwriters and such controlling persons agree that it
would not be equitable if the amount of such contribution were
determined by pro rata or per capita allocation (even if the
Underwriters and such controlling persons were treated as one
entity for such purpose).  The contribution agreement contained
in this Section 9 shall remain in full force and effect regard-
less of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Under-
writer or the Company or any of its officers or directors or
any controlling person and shall survive any termination of
this Agreement or the issuance and delivery of the Purchased
Securities.

          10.  Notices.  All statements, requests, notices and
agreements shall be in writing or by telegram and, if to the
Underwriters, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered
or sent by registered mail to the address furnished in writing
for the purpose of such statements, requests, notices and
agreements hereunder, and, if to the Company shall be suffi-
cient in all respects if delivered or sent by registered mail
to the Company at Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo, Texas 79101, Atten-
tion:  Chairman of the Board.



     
<PAGE>
                             -16-



          11.  Construction.  This Agreement shall be governed
by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
New York.
          
          The section headings in this Agreement have been
inserted as a matter of convenience of reference and are not a
part of this agreement.

          12.  Parties in Interest.  The Agreement herein set
forth has been and is made solely for the benefit of the Under-
writers and the Company, and the controlling persons, directors
and officers referred to in Sections 7, 8 and 9 hereof, and
their respective successors, assigns, executors and administra-
tors, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under
or by virtue of this Agreement.  Nothing in this Agreement is
intended or shall be construed to give to any other person,
firm or corporation (including, without limitation, any pur-
chaser of the Purchased Securities from an Underwriter or any
subsequent holder thereof or any purchaser of any Contract
Securities or any subsequent holder thereof) any legal or equi-
table right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agree-
ment or any provision herein contained.

          The term "successor" as used in this Agreement shall
not include any purchaser, as such purchaser, of any Purchased
Securities from any Underwriter or any subsequent holder
thereof or any purchaser, as such purchaser, of any Contract
Securities or any subsequent holder thereof.

          13.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in
any number of counterparts which, taken together, shall consti-
tute one and the same instrument.

















     
<PAGE>
                          Schedule I

                   DELAYED DELIVERY CONTRACT


                                    Dated:               , 199 



SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Tyler at Sixth
Amarillo, Texas 79101
Attention:

Dear Sirs:

          The undersigned hereby agrees to purchase from South-
western Public Service Company (the "Company"), and the Company
agrees to sell to the undersigned,

                     $___________________

principal amount of the Company's [state title of issue] (the
"Securities") offered by the Company's Prospectus dated
             , 199  and a Prospectus Supplement dated
            , 199 , receipt of copies of which is hereby
acknowledged, at a purchase price of     % of the principal
amount thereof plus accrued interest and on the further terms
and conditions set forth in this contract.

          The undersigned agrees to purchase such Securities in
the principal amounts and on the delivery dates (the "Delivery"
"Dates") set forth below:


    Delivery            Principal         Plus Accrued
      Date               Amount          Interest From:
    --------            ---------        --------------

________________    $_______________    ________________


________________    $_______________    ________________


________________    $_______________    ________________


          Payment for the Securities which the undersigned has
agreed to purchase on each Delivery Date shall be made to the


     
<PAGE>
                              -2-



Company or its order by certified or bank cashier's check in
_______________________________* funds at the Corporate Trust
Office of               (or at such other place as the under-
signed and the Company shall agree) at 11:00 A.M., New York
City Time, on such Delivery Date upon issuance and delivery to
the undersigned of the Securities to be purchased by the under-
signed on such Delivery Date in such authorized denominations
and, unless otherwise provided herein, registered in such names
as the undersigned may designate by written or telegraphic com-
munications addressed to the Company not less than five full
business days prior to such Delivery Date.

          The obligation of the Company to sell and deliver,
and of the undersigned to take delivery of and make payment
for, Securities on each Delivery Date shall be subject to the
conditions that (1) the purchase of Securities to be made by
the undersigned shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited
under the laws of the jurisdiction to which the undersigned is
subject, (2) the sale of the Securities by the Company pursuant
to this contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohib-
ited under the laws of any jurisdiction to which the Company is
subject and (3) the Company shall have sold, and delivery shall
have taken place, to the Underwriters of such principal amount
of the Securities as is to be sold and delivered to them.  In
the event that Securities are not sold to the undersigned
because one of the foregoing conditions is not met, the Company
shall not be liable to the undersigned for damages arising out
of the transactions covered by this contract.

          Promptly after completion of the sale and delivery to
the Underwriters, the Company will mail or deliver to the
undersigned at its address set forth below notice to such
effect, accompanied by copies of the opinions of counsel for
the Company delivered to the Underwriters.

          Failure to take delivery of and make payment for
Bonds by any purchaser under any other Delayed Delivery Con-
tract shall not relieve the undersigned of its obligations
under this contract.

          The undersigned represents and warrants that (a) as
of the date of this contract, the undersigned is not prohibited
under the laws of the jurisdictions to which the undersigned is
subject from purchasing the Securities hereby agreed to be
_________________________
*    Insert same day or New York Clearing House funds.


     
<PAGE>
                              -3-



purchased and (b) the undersigned does not contemplate selling
the Securities which it has agreed to purchase hereunder prior
to the Delivery Date therefor.

          This contract will inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the parties hereto and their respective succes-
sors, but will not be assignable by either party hereto without
the written consent of the other.  This contract shall be gov-
erned by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State
of New York.  This contract may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but
all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.

          It is understood that the acceptance of any Delayed
Delivery Contract is in the Company's sole discretion and,
without limiting the foregoing, need not be on a first-come,
first-served basis.  If the contract is acceptable to the Com-
pany, it is requested that the Company sign the form of accep-
tance below and mail or deliver one of the counterparts hereof
to the undersigned at its address set forth below.  This will
become a binding contract between the Company and the under-
signed when such counterpart is so signed.

                                   Yours very truly,

                           ____________________________________

                         By____________________________________

                           ____________________________________

                           ____________________________________
                                        Address


Accepted, as of the date first above written


Southwestern Public Service Company


By_________________________________






     
<PAGE>
                              -4-



        PURCHASER -- PLEASE COMPLETE AT TIME OF SIGNING


          The name and telephone and department of the repre-
sentative of the Purchaser with whom details of delivery on the
Delivery Date may be discussed are as follows:

(Please print.)

                         Telephone No.
Name                  (Including Area Code)       Department






































     
<PAGE>
              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

                      PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                   UNSECURED DEBT SECURITIES


                     _______________, 1996



Southwestern Public Service Company
Tyler at Sixth
Amarillo, Texas  79101

Dear Sirs:

          Referring to the Unsecured Debt Securities, ______%
Series due      (the "Securities"), of Southwestern Public Ser-
vice Company (the "Company") covered by registration statement
on Form S-3 (No. 33-53171), such registration statement includ-
ing (i) the prospectus included therein, dated          __,
1996, as supplemented by a prospectus supplement dated
______________, 1996 in the form first filed under Rule 424 and
any additional prospectus supplements relating to the Securi-
ties filed under Rule 424 (such prospectus as so supplemented,
including each document incorporated by reference therein is
hereinafter called the "Prospectus") and (ii) all documents
filed as part thereof or incorporated by reference therein, is
hereinafter called the "Registration Statement" on the basis of
the representations, warranties and agreements contained in
this Agreement, but subject to the terms and conditions herein
set forth, the purchaser or purchasers named in Schedule A 
hereto (the "Underwriters") severally agree to purchase and 
the Company agrees to sell to each Underwriter the principal 
amount of the Company's Securities having the terms described 
below (the "Purchased Securities") set forth opposite the name 
of each Underwriter on Schedule A hereto.

          The price at which the Purchased Securities shall be
purchased from the Company by the Underwriters shall be ______%.
The initial public offering price shall be ______%.  The Pur-
chased Securities will be offered by the Underwriters as set
forth in the Prospectus relating to such Purchased Securities.

          The Purchased Securities will have the following
terms:

          
          Title of Securities:     ____________________________


     
<PAGE>
                              -2-



          Interest rate:           ____________________________

          Interest Payment Dates:  ____________________________
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________

          Maturity:                ____________________________

          Redemption Provisions:   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________

          Other:
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________
                                   ____________________________

          Payment for the
          Purchased Securities
          shall be made in
          the following funds:     ____________________________

          The time of purchase
          shall be:                ____________________________

          The place(s) at which
          the Purchased Securities
          shall be delivered and
          sold shall be:           ____________________________

          Delayed Delivery
          Contracts:               ______________________________

          Notices to the Underwriters shall be sent to the following address 
or telecopier number:

                                      
                                 
                                        
                                            
                                     
     
<PAGE>
                              -3-



          If we are acting as Representative(s) for the several
Underwriters named in Schedule A hereto, we represent that we are
authorized to act for such several Underwriters in connection
with the transactions contemplated in this Agreement, and that,
if there are more than one of us, any action under this Agreement
taken by any of us will be binding upon all the Underwriters.

          All of the provisions contained in the document enti-
tled "Southwestern Public Service Company Standard Purchase Pro-
visions - Unsecured Debt Securities," a copy of which has been
previously furnished to us, are hereby incorporated by reference
in their entirety and shall be deemed to be a part of this Agree-
ment to the same extent as if such provisions had been set forth
in full herein.



































     
<PAGE>
                              -4-




          If the foregoing is in accordance with your understand-
ing of our agreement, kindly sign and return to us the enclosed
duplicate hereof, whereupon it will become a binding agreement
between the Company and the Underwriter in accordance with its
terms.

                              Very truly yours,

                              [Firm Name]

                              By ________________________________
                                 Title:


                              [Firm Name]

                              By ________________________________
                                 Title:

                                 Acting on behalf of and as
                                 Representative(s) of the
                                 several Underwriters named
                                 in Schedule A hereto.*
The foregoing Purchase
Agreement is hereby confirmed
as of the date first above
written.


SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY


By ___________________________
   Title:







_________________________
*    To be deleted if the Purchase Agreement is not executed by
     one or more Underwriters acting as Representative(s) of
     the Underwriters for purposes of this Agreement.


     
<PAGE>
                           SCHEDULE A


                                                  Principal
Name of Underwriter                                 Amount 




















Total                                              __________
                                                  $          
                                                   ----------

























     


                                                  Exhibit 4(c)
                                                               
                                                               






              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY


                              TO


                         CHEMICAL BANK

      (Successor by Merger to The New York Trust Company
          and Chemical Bank New York Trust Company),

                                            As Trustee

                     _____________________

          SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE DATED MARCH 1, 1996,
           SUPPLEMENTAL TO INDENTURE OF MORTGAGE AND
              DEED OF TRUST, DATED AUGUST 1, 1946





            THIS INSTRUMENT CONTAINS AFTER-ACQUIRED
                      PROPERTY PROVISIONS

               THIS INSTRUMENT GRANTS A SECURITY
                     INTEREST BY A UTILITY
                     _____________________

     RELATES TO FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS, 6 1/2% SERIES DUE 2006






                                                               
                                                               






<PAGE>




              THIS INSTRUMENT CONTAINS AFTER-ACQUIRED
                          PROPERTY PROVISIONS





            SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated the 1st day of March,
1996, between SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY, a corpora-
tion organized and existing under the laws of the State of New
Mexico (hereinafter called the "Company"), party of the first
part, and CHEMICAL BANK (successor by merger to The New York
Trust Company and Chemical Bank New York Trust Company), a cor-
poration organized and existing under the laws of the State of
New York, as Trustee under the Indenture hereinafter mentioned
(hereinafter called the "Trustee"), party of the second part.

            WHEREAS, the Company executed and delivered to The
New York Trust Company, as Trustee, an Indenture of Mortgage
and Deed of Trust dated August 1, 1946 (hereinafter called the
"Original Indenture") and executed and delivered to The New
York Trust Company or to Chemical Bank New York Trust Company
or to Chemical Bank, as Trustee, supplemental indentures dated
December 1, 1946, November 1, 1947, January 20, 1948,
February 1, 1949, December 1, 1949, February 1, 1950,
January 1, 1951, January 1, 1952, February 1, 1953, February 1,
1954, June 1, 1954, February 1, 1956, October 1, 1959,
February 1, 1961, January 1, 1963, February 1, 1964,
February 1, 1965, February 1, 1967, October 1, 1970, May 1,
1971, October 1, 1972, February 1, 1975, February 1, 1976,
February 9, 1977, March 1, 1977, March 1, 1978, March 1, 1979,
April 1, 1979, June 1, 1980, two supplemental indentures dated
October 1, 1981, July 1, 1982, two supplemental indentures
dated April 1, 1983, February 1, 1985, April 1, 1986, June 1,
1987, two supplemental indentures dated July 15, 1992, two sup-
plemental indentures dated December 1, 1992, and a supplemental
indenture dated February 15, 1995 (hereinafter called the "Sup-
plemental Indentures"), to secure authorized issues of First
Mortgage Bonds (hereinafter called the "Bonds") of the Company;
and

            WHEREAS, on September 8, 1959, The New York Trust
Company was merged under the Banking Law of New York into
Chemical Corn Exchange Bank under the name of Chemical Bank New
York Trust Company and on February 17, 1969, Chemical Bank New
York Trust Company was merged under the Banking Law of New York



<PAGE>
                                    -2-



into Chemical Bank under the name of Chemical Bank, which is
now the Trustee under the Original Indenture and Supplemental
Indentures; and

            WHEREAS, First Mortgage Bonds of the following Series
were duly issued under and in accordance with the terms of the
Original Indenture and the Supplemental Indentures and as of
the date of this Supplemental Indenture are outstanding in the
aggregate principal amounts set opposite the designations of
the Series:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Principal Amounts
            Series                                  Outstanding
            ------                               ------------------
      <S>                                            <C>
      5.70% Series due 1997 ......................   $ 15,000,000
      6.875% Series due 1999 .....................   $ 90,000,000
      13 1/2% Series due 2001 ....................   $ 25,000,000
      6 1/2% Series due 2004 .....................   $ 25,000,000
      7 1/4% Series due 2004 .....................   $135,000,000
      6 5/8% Series due 2009 .....................   $ 32,300,000
      8.20% Series due 2022 ......................   $100,000,000
      8 1/4% Series due 2022 .....................   $ 40,000,000
      8 1/2% Series due 2025......................   $ 70,000,000

</TABLE>

and

            WHEREAS, as permitted by the Original Indenture, the
Company by resolutions of its Board of Directors duly adopted
has determined to create a new series of Bonds to be known as
First Mortgage Bonds, 6 1/2% Series due 2006 (hereinafter called
"Bonds of the New Series" or "Bonds of Series due 2006") in the
form and having the characteristics set forth in this Supple-
mental Indenture; and

            WHEREAS, the Company has paid, redeemed or otherwise
retired and heretofore delivered to the Trustee certain Bonds
not heretofore made the basis of the issuance of additional
Bonds under Article 6 of the Original Indenture as heretofore
supplemented and it desires to issue Bonds of Series due 2006
against such retired Bonds; and

            WHEREAS, the Company has purchased, constructed or
otherwise acquired subsequent to the execution and delivery of
the Original Indenture certain Property Additions not hereto-
fore specifically mortgaged and pledged under the Original
Indenture as heretofore supplemented and it desires by the
inclusion of the descriptions thereof in this Supplemental



<PAGE>
                                    -3-



Indenture to specifically mortgage and pledge such property;
and

            WHEREAS, the Company, in the exercise of the powers
and authority conferred upon and reserved to it under and by
virtue of the provisions of the Original Indenture, as hereto-
fore supplemented, and particularly the provisions contained in
Articles Two and Eighteen thereof, and pursuant to appropriate
resolutions of its Board of Directors, has duly resolved and
determined to make, execute and deliver to the Trustee a Sup-
plemental Indenture in the form hereof for the purposes herein
provided; and

            WHEREAS, all conditions and requirements necessary to
make this Supplemental Indenture a valid, binding and legal
instrument in accordance with its terms have been done, per-
formed and fulfilled, and the execution and delivery hereof
have been in all respects duly authorized, and this Supplemen-
tal Indenture has been authorized by resolution duly adopted by
a vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors of the
Company;

            NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:  That the
Company, in consideration of the premises and of one dollar to
it duly paid by the Trustee at or before the ensealing and
delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby
acknowledged, and of other good and valuable consideration, in
order to better secure the payment both of the principal of and
interest on all Bonds issued under the Original Indenture and
the Supplemental Indentures and that may be issued under this
or any other indenture supplemental to the Original Indenture,
according to their tenor and effect, and the performance by the
Company of all the covenants and conditions therein and herein
contained, and in order to establish the terms of the Bonds of
the New Series, hereby further covenants and agrees to and with
the Trustee and its successors in the trust under the Original
Indenture for the benefit of all those who shall from time to
time hold the Bonds and interest coupons, if any, pertaining
thereto, as herein set forth, and does hereby ratify and con-
firm its mortgage and pledge to the Trustee of all property
described in the Original Indenture and the Supplemental Inden-
tures and does by these presents grant, bargain, sell, warrant,
alien, remise, release, convey, confirm, assign, transfer,
mortgage, pledge, and set over unto the Trustee and to its suc-
cessors and assigns forever the described property set forth in
Exhibit A hereto (which shall for all purposes be treated as
being set forth in full herein) constituting property acquired



<PAGE>
                                    -4-



by the Company since the execution and delivery of the Original
Indenture, and not heretofore specifically mortgaged and
pledged under the Original Indenture as heretofore
supplemented.

            TOGETHER with all buildings, improvements, plants,
stations and substations located on the property referred to in
Exhibit A hereto (in the case of those located on leased prop-
erty, all of the Company's interest therein) or upon any other
property or rights of way now or hereafter owned by the Com-
pany, together with all easements, rights of way, permits,
privileges, towers, poles, machinery, transformers, insulators,
equipment, appliances, appurtenances, and all other property,
real or personal, of the Company forming a part of, or pertain-
ing to, or used, occupied or enjoyed by the Company in connec-
tion with, said improvements and miscellaneous property.

            Also all other property, real, personal and mixed,
which the Company now owns and which the Company may hereafter
acquire.

            TOGETHER with, all and singular, the tenements, here-
ditaments and appurtenances belonging or in anywise apper-
taining to said property or any part thereof with the reversion
and reversions, remainder and remainders, tolls, rents, reve-
nues, issues, earnings, income, products and profits thereof,
and all the estate, right, title and interest and claim whatso-
ever, at law as well as in equity, which the Company now has or
may hereafter acquire in and to said property, rights and fran-
chises, and every part and parcel thereof;

            EXPRESSLY EXCEPTING AND EXCLUDING, HOWEVER, from this
Supplemental Indenture and from the lien and operation hereof:

            (a)   any and all property of the character expressly
      excepted and excluded from the Original Indenture as here-
      tofore supplemented and from the lien and operation
      thereof, referred to therein as Excepted Property; and

            (b)   all property which has been released by the
      Trustee or otherwise disposed of by the Company free from
      the lien of the Original Indenture, as heretofore supple-
      mented, in accordance with the provisions thereof;

            TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all such properties, real, per-
sonal and mixed, mortgaged, pledged or conveyed by the Company




<PAGE>
                                    -5-



as aforesaid, or intended so to be, unto the Trustee and its
successors and assigns forever;

            SUBJECT HOWEVER, to the exceptions hereinabove
recited, and to Permitted Encumbrances as defined in Section
4.01 of the Original Indenture, and liens existing on any prop-
erty hereafter acquired by the Company at the time of such
acquisition and permitted by Section 9.15 of the Original
Indenture, Section 3.02 of the Supplemental Indenture dated
February 1, 1967, and Section 2.02 of the Supplemental Inden-
tures dated March 1, 1979, October 1, 1981, the two Supplemen-
tal Indentures dated July 15, 1992, the two Supplemental Inden-
tures dated December 1, 1992, the Supplemental Indenture dated
February 15, 1995 and of this Supplemental Indenture;

            IN TRUST, NEVERTHELESS, for the purposes and upon the
trusts, terms and conditions, and subject to and with the pro-
visos and covenants set forth in the Original Indenture, the
Supplemental Indentures and this Supplemental Indenture with
the same effect in all respects as if the property and rights
herein described and herein conveyed to the Trustee had at the
time of the execution and delivery of the Original Indenture
been owned by the Company and had been specifically and at
length described in and conveyed to the Trustee by the Original
Indenture as a part of the property therein stated to be con-
veyed and as if this Supplemental Indenture had been executed
and delivered at the time of the execution and delivery of the
Original Indenture.

                               ARTICLE ONE

                        BONDS OF THE NEW SERIES

            Section 1.01.  There is hereby created a series of
Bonds, known as and entitled "First Mortgage Bonds, 6 1/2% Series
due 2006," and the form thereof shall be as provided in this
Supplemental Indenture.

            The aggregate principal amount of Bonds of the New
Series which may be authenticated and delivered and outstanding
under the Original Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture
shall be unlimited except as provided in Articles Two, Three,
Four, Five and Six of the Original Indenture, as amended by the
Supplemental Indenture dated February 9, 1977.  Bonds of the
New Series shall bear interest at the rate of 6 1/2% per annum
until the principal thereof becomes due and payable and there-
after, if default be made in the payment of such principal, at



<PAGE>
                                    -6-



the rate of 6% per annum until the principal thereof shall be
paid and shall mature March 1, 2006.

            Bonds of the New Series shall be registered Bonds in
book-entry or definitive form without coupons of the denomina-
tions of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 which may
be executed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee for
authentication and delivery.  Bonds of the New Series, if
authenticated and delivered prior to September 1, 1996, shall
be dated March 8, 1996, and, if authenticated and delivered on
or after September 1, 1996, shall be dated as provided in
Section 2.05 of the Original Indenture.  Bonds of the New
Series shall bear interest from their respective dates, such
interest to be payable on September 1, 1996 and semi-annually
thereafter on the first day of March and September in each
year.  The principal of and interest on the Bonds of the New
Series shall be payable at the principal corporate trust office
of the Trustee or its successor in trust under the Indenture,
in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York (unless the
Company shall designate and maintain some other office or
agency for such purpose), in any coin or currency of the United
States of America which at the time of payment shall be legal
tender for the payment of public and private debts.  Notwith-
standing anything in the Original Indenture or this Supplemen-
tal Indenture to the contrary, so long as the Bonds are in a
book-entry only system, payment of principal of and interest on
the Bonds of the New Series will be in accordance with arrange-
ments with The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York and
its successors and assigns ("DTC").  Bonds of the New Series
shall be subject to redemption as provided in Section 1.03 of
this Supplemental Indenture.

            Definitive Bonds of the New Series may be issued in
the form of engraved Bonds or Bonds lithographed or printed
with steel engraved borders, and the signature of the Chairman
of the Board, the President or a Vice-President and of the Sec-
retary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company may be fac-
simile.  Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section,
definitive Bonds of the New Series, upon surrender to the Trus-
tee at its principal corporate trust office, shall be exchange-
able for other Bonds of the same series (dated March 8, 1996,
in the case of an exchange prior to September 1, 1996 and dated
as provided in Section 2.05 of the Original Indenture in case
of an exchange on or after September 1, 1996) in such autho-
rized denomination or denominations in the same aggregate prin-
cipal amount, as may be requested by the holder surrendering
the same.  No charge for any such exchange shall be made except



<PAGE>
                                    -7-



for taxes or governmental charges.  The Company will execute,
and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, Bonds whenever
the same shall be required for any such exchange.

            If the Bonds of the New Series are to be issued in
book-entry form only, notwithstanding any provision of the
Original Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture to the con-
trary, unless the Company shall otherwise direct (which direc-
tion shall promptly be given at the written request of the Com-
pany), all Bonds of the New Series issued hereunder shall be
registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, as
registered owner of the Bonds of the New Series, and held in
the custody of DTC.  Unless otherwise requested by DTC, a sin-
gle certificate will be issued and delivered to DTC.  Benefi-
cial owners of Bonds of the New Series will not receive physi-
cal delivery of Bond certificates except as provided herein-
after.  For so long as DTC shall continue to serve as securi-
ties depository for the Bonds of the New Series as provided
herein, all transfers of beneficial ownership interests will be
made by book-entry only, and no investor or other party pur-
chasing, selling or otherwise transferring beneficial ownership
of Bonds of the New Series is to receive, hold or deliver any
Bond certificate. 

            With respect to Bonds of the New Series registered in
the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, the Trustee and the
Company shall have no responsibility or obligation to the secu-
rities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations and certain other organizations on whose behalf
DTC was created to hold securities to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among DTC Partici-
pants ("DTC Participants") or to any person on whose behalf a
DTC Participant holds an interest in the Bonds of the New
Series.  Without limiting the immediately preceding sentence,
the Trustee and the Company shall have no responsibility or
obligation with respect to (i) the accuracy of the records of
DTC, Cede & Co. or any DTC Participant with respect to any own-
ership interest in the Bonds of the New Series, (ii) the deliv-
ery to any DTC Participant or any other person, other than a
registered owner of the Bonds of the New Series, as shown on
the registration books, of any notice with respect to the Bonds
of the New Series, including any notice of redemption, or (iii)
the payment to any DTC Participant or any other person, other
than a registered owner of the Bonds of the New Series, as
shown on the registration books, of any amount with respect to
principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Bonds of
the New Series. 



<PAGE>
                                    -8-



            If the Bonds of the New Series are to be issued in
book-entry form only, replacement Bonds may be issued directly
to beneficial owners of Bonds of the New Series other than DTC,
or its nominee, but only in the event that (i) DTC determines
not to continue to act as securities depository for the Bonds
of the New Series (which determination shall become effective
by the giving of reasonable notice to the Company or the Trus-
tee); or (ii) the Company has advised DTC of its determination
(which determination is conclusive as to DTC and beneficial
owners of the Bonds of the New Series) to terminate the ser-
vices of DTC as securities depository for the Bonds of the New
Series; or (iii) the Company has determined (which determina-
tion is conclusive as to DTC and the beneficial owners of the
Bonds of the New Series) that the interests of the beneficial
owners of the Bonds of the New Series might be adversely
affected if such book-entry only system of transfer is contin-
ued.  Upon occurrence of the event set forth in (i) above, the
Company shall use its best efforts to attempt to locate another
qualified securities depository.  If the Company fails to
locate another qualified securities depository to replace DTC,
the Company shall direct the Trustee to cause to be authenti-
cated and delivered replacement Bonds of the New Series, in
certificate form, to the beneficial owners of the Bonds of the
New Series.  In the event that the Company makes the determina-
tion noted in (ii) or (iii) above (provided that the Company
undertakes no obligation to make any investigation to determine
the occurrence of any events that would permit the Company to
make any such determination), and has made provisions to notify
the beneficial owners of Bonds of the New Series of such deter-
mination by mailing an appropriate notice to DTC, the Company
shall cause to be issued replacement Bonds of the New Series in
certificate form to beneficial owners of the Bonds of the New
Series as shown on the records of DTC provided to the Trustee
and the Company.

            Whenever, during the term of the Bonds of the New
Series, the beneficial ownership thereof is determined by a
book-entry at DTC, the requirements in the Original Indenture
or this Supplemental Indenture of holding, delivering or trans-
ferring Bonds or selection of Bonds to be redeemed shall be
deemed modified to require the appropriate person or entity to
meet the requirements of DTC as to registering or transferring
the book-entry to produce the same effect.

            If the Bonds of the New Series are to be issued in
book-entry form only, notwithstanding any provision of the
Original Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture to the



<PAGE>
                                    -9-



contrary, all Bonds of the New Series issued hereunder, if DTC
so requires, shall bear a legend substantially to the following
effect:

            Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized
      representative of The Depository Trust Company, a New York
      corporation ("DTC"), to the Company or its agent for reg-
      istration of transfer, exchange, or payment, and any cer-
      tificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or
      in such other name as is requested by an authorized repre-
      sentative of DTC (and any payment is made to Cede & Co. or
      to such other entity as is requested by an authorized rep-
      resentative of DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE
      HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS
      WRONGFUL inasmuch as the registered owner hereof, Cede &
      Co., has an interest herein.  

            If the Bonds of the New Series are to be issued in
book-entry form only, the Company and the Trustee shall enter
into a letter of representations with DTC to implement the
book-entry only system of Bond registration described above.

            If at any time DTC ceases to hold the Bonds of the
New Series, all references herein to DTC shall be of no further
force or effect.

            Section 1.02.  The text of the Bonds of the New
Series and the certificate of authentication of the Trustee to
be executed thereon are to be substantially in the following
forms, respectively:

                 (FORM OF FACE OF BONDS OF THE NEW SERIES)
                            CUSIP NO. 845743BD4

No. R ...........                                             $............

                SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

             First Mortgage Bond, 6 1/2% Series due 2006
                           Due March 1, 2006

            SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY (hereinafter
called the "Company"), a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the State of New Mexico, for value received,
hereby promises to pay to                    or registered
assigns, on the first day of March, 2006             DOLLARS in
any coin or currency of the United States of America which at



<PAGE>
                                   -10-



the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of
public and private debts, and to pay interest thereon from the
date hereof, at the rate of 6 1/2 percent per annum, payable in
like coin or currency semi-annually on March 1 and September 1
in each year, commencing September 1, 1996 until the principal
hereof shall have become due and payable, and thereafter if
default be made in the payment of such principal, at the rate
of six percent per annum, until the principal hereof shall be
paid.

            The principal of and interest on this Bond are pay-
able at the principal corporate trust office of Chemical Bank
or its successor in trust under the Indenture (as hereinafter
defined), in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York
(unless the Company shall designate and maintain some other
office or agency for such purpose).  Notwithstanding anything
in the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated August 1,
1946 (hereinafter called the "Original Indenture") or this Sup-
plemental Indenture to the contrary, so long as the Bonds are
in a book-entry only system, payment of principal of and inter-
est on this Bond will be in accordance with arrangements with
The Depository Trust Company ("DTC").

            The provisions of this Bond are continued on the
reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all pur-
poses have the same effect as though fully set forth at this
place.

            This Bond shall not be valid or become obligatory for
any purpose until the certificate of authentication hereon
shall have been duly executed by Chemical Bank, as Trustee, or
its successor, as Trustee, under the Indenture.


















<PAGE>
                                   -11-



            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Bond
to be signed in its name by the manual or facsimile signature
of its Chairman of the Board, its President or a Vice-President
and its corporate seal to be impressed or imprinted hereon and
attested by the manual or facsimile signature of its Secretary
or an Assistant Secretary.

Dated

                              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY,

                                    By

                                                Chairman of the Board

Attest:

                  Secretary

  (FORM OF TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE FOR BONDS OF THE NEW SERIES)

   This is one of the Bonds described in the within mentioned
   Indenture,

                              CHEMICAL BANK

                                                       As Trustee

                                    By

                                             Authorized Officer

           (FORM OF REVERSE OF BONDS OF THE NEW SERIES)

            This Bond is one of an authorized issue of Bonds of
the Company known as its "First Mortgage Bonds," issued and to
be issued in one or more series under, and all equally and rat-
ably secured (except as any sinking, amortization improvement,
renewal or other analogous fund, established in accordance with
the provisions of the Indenture hereinafter mentioned, may
afford additional security for the Bonds of any particular
series) by, the Original Indenture, as supplemented (a) by Sup-
plemental Indentures dated December 1, 1946, November 1, 1947,
January 20, 1948, February 1, 1949, December 1, 1949,
February 1, 1950, January 1, 1951, January 1, 1952, February 1,
1953, February 1, 1954, June 1, 1954, and February 1, 1956,
executed by the Company to The New York Trust Company, as



<PAGE>
                                   -12-



Trustee, (b) by Supplemental Indentures dated October 1, 1959,
February 1, 1961, January 1, 1963, February 1, 1964,
February 1, 1965 and February 1, 1967, from the Company to
Chemical Bank New York Trust Company, as Trustee, and (c) by
Supplemental Indentures dated October 1, 1970, May 1, 1971,
October 1, 1972, February 1, 1975, February 1, 1976,
February 9, 1977, March 1, 1977, March 1, 1978, March 1, 1979,
April 1, 1979, June 1, 1980, two Supplemental Indentures dated
October 1, 1981, July 1, 1982, two Supplemental Indentures
dated April 1, 1983, February 1, 1985, April 1, 1986, June 1,
1987, two Supplemental Indentures dated July 15, 1992, two Sup-
plemental Indentures dated December 1, 1992 and Supplemental
Indentures dated February 15, 1995 and March 1, 1996, from the
Company to Chemical Bank (hereinafter called the "Trustee"),
successor by merger to The New York Trust Company and Chemical
Bank New York Trust Company, as Trustee (said Mortgage and Deed
of Trust as so supplemented being hereinafter collectively
called the "Indenture"), to which Indenture and all indentures
supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a description
of the properties mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent
of the security, the rights of the holders of said Bonds and
the coupons appurtenant to coupon Bonds and of the Trustee and
of the Company in respect of such security, and the terms and
conditions upon which said Bonds are and are to be secured.  To
the extent permitted by the Indenture and as provided therein,
with the consent of the Company and upon the written consent or
affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-
thirds percent in principal amount of the Bonds then outstand-
ing and entitled to consent, and of the holders of not less
than sixty-six and two-thirds percent in principal amount of
the Bonds then outstanding and entitled to consent of each
series affected thereby in case one or more but less than all
of the series of Bonds issued under the Indenture are so
affected, the rights and obligations of the Company and of the
holders of Bonds and coupons appurtenant to coupon Bonds, and
the terms and provisions of the Indenture and of any instrument
supplemental thereto may be modified from time to time, pro-
vided that no such modification or alteration shall be made
which will affect the terms of payment of the principal of, or
interest or premium on, the Bonds, or reduce the percentage of
the principal amount of Bonds, the consent of which is required
for the authorization of any such modification or alteration,
or which would modify, without the written consent of the Trus-
tee, the rights or obligations of the Trustee.  The Company has
reserved the right to amend the Indenture without any consent
or other action by holders of any Series of Bonds created after
July 15, 1992, including the First Mortgage Bonds, 6 1/2% Series



<PAGE>
                                   -13-



due 2006, to make such amendments to the Indenture as shall be
necessary in order to amend or delete in its entirety the main-
tenance covenant contained therein.  As provided in the Inden-
ture, said Bonds are issuable in series which may vary as in
the Indenture provided or permitted.  This Bond is one of a
series of Bonds entitled "First Mortgage Bonds, 6 1/2% Series due
2006".

            This Bond is not subject to redemption prior to
maturity.

            If an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture,
shall occur, the principal of this Bond may become or be
declared due and payable, in the manner and with the effect
provided in the Indenture.  This Bond is transferable by the
registered owner hereof in person or by attorney authorized in
writing, at the principal corporate trust office of the Trustee
in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York (unless the
Company shall designate and maintain some other office or
agency for such purpose), upon surrender for cancellation of
this Bond and on payment of the charges and subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture, and upon any
such transfer a new bond of the same series, for the same
aggregate principal amount, dated March 8, 1996 if authenti-
cated and delivered prior to September 1, 1996, and dated as
provided in Section 2.05 of the Original Indenture if authenti-
cated and delivered on or after September 1, 1996 will be
issued to the transferee in exchange herefor.  First Mortgage
Bonds, 6 1/2% Series due 2006, are issuable as registered Bonds
without coupons of the denominations of $1,000 and any integral
multiple of $1,000 which may be executed by the Company and
delivered to the Trustee for authentication and delivery.  All
Bonds of said Series, upon surrender to the Trustee at its
principal corporate trust office in the Borough of Manhattan,
The City of New York (unless the Company shall designate and
maintain some other office or agency for such purpose), are
exchangeable for other Bonds of the same series (dated March 8,
1996, in the case of an exchange prior to September 1, 1996,
and dated as provided in Section 2.05 of the Original Indenture
in case of an exchange on or after September 1, 1996) in such
authorized denomination or denominations in the same aggregate
principal amount, as may be requested by the holder surrender-
ing the same.  The Company and the Trustee and any paying agent
may deem and treat the person in whose name this Bond is regis-
tered as the absolute owner hereof, for the purpose of receiv-
ing payment of or on account of the principal hereof and inter-
est due hereon, and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any



<PAGE>
                                   -14-



paying agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement
contained in this Bond or in the Indenture or any indenture
supplemental thereto or under or upon any indebtedness secured
by or arising out of the Indenture or any indenture supplemen-
tal thereto shall be had against any incorporator, stockholder,
director or officer, as such, past, present or future, of the
Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation, either
directly or through the Company or such predecessor or succes-
sor corporation, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute
or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or pen-
alty or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise how-
soever; all such liability being, by the acceptance hereof and
as a part of the consideration for the issuance hereof,
expressly waived and released by every holder hereof, and being
likewise released by the terms of the Indenture.

            Whenever the beneficial ownership of this Bond is
determined by a book-entry system at a securities depository
for the Bonds, the foregoing requirements of holding, deliver-
ing or transferring this Bond shall be modified to require the
appropriate person or entity to meet the requirements of the
securities depository as to registering or transferring of its
position in the book-entry system to produce the same effect.

            SECTION 1.03.  Bonds of the New Series are not
redeemable prior to maturity.

                               ARTICLE TWO

                       MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

            Section 2.01.  All the provisions, terms and condi-
tions of the Original Indenture, as heretofore supplemented and
amended by the Supplemental Indentures, shall continue in full
force and effect.  All terms defined in the Original Indenture,
as heretofore supplemented, shall, for all purposes of this
Supplemental Indenture, have the meaning specified in the
Original Indenture, as heretofore supplemented, unless the text
otherwise indicates.

            Section 2.02.  (a)  The Company covenants that so
long as any Bonds of the New Series shall remain outstanding it
will comply with the covenants contained in Sections 9.06 and
9.15 of the Original Indenture to the same extent as if the
clause "so long as any of the Bonds of 2 7/8% Series due 1971
shall be outstanding" in each instance where it or a similar



<PAGE>
                                   -15-



clause appears in such Sections were replaced by the clause "so
long as any of the Bonds of 2 7/8% Series due 1971 or any of
the Bonds of 6 1/2% Series due 2006 shall be outstanding".

            (b)   The Company reserves the right, subject to
appropriate corporate action, but without any consent or other
action by holders of Bonds of any series created after July 15,
1992, including the Bonds of the New Series, to make such
amendments to the Original Indenture, and to the Original
Indenture as supplemented, as shall be necessary in order to
amend or delete in its entirety paragraph (a) of this Section
2.02 and/or Section 9.06 of the Original Indenture.

            Section 2.03.  To the extent authorized, permitted or
necessary under applicable law, this Supplemental Indenture
shall also be considered to be a security agreement and financ-
ing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted or
hereafter adopted in one or more of the states in which any
part of such properties, as aforesaid, are situated.  The mail-
ing address of Southwestern Public Service Company (the Debtor)
is:  Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo, Texas 79101.  The mailing
address of Chemical Bank, as Trustee (the Secured Party) is:
450 West 33rd Street, 15th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10001, Atten-
tion:  Corporate Trust Administration.

            Section 2.04.  This Supplemental Indenture may be
executed in several counterparts, all or any of which may be
treated for all purposes as one original, and shall constitute
and be one and the same instrument.

            Section 2.05.  The Trustee shall not be responsible
in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or
sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture, or the due execu-
tion hereof by the Company, or for or in respect of the recit-
als contained herein, all of which recitals are made by the
Company solely.

            This Supplemental Indenture has been dated March 1,
1996, solely for convenience, but has in fact been executed by
the parties hereto on the dates indicated by their respective
acknowledgements.









<PAGE>



            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COM-
PANY, party hereto of the first part, has caused this Supple-
mental Indenture to be executed on its behalf and its corporate
seal to be hereto affixed and to be attested, and CHEMICAL
BANK, party hereto of the second part, in evidence of its
acceptance of the trust hereby created, has caused this Supple-
mental Indenture to be executed on its behalf and its corporate
seal to be hereto affixed and to be attested, all as of the day
and year first above written.

                                          SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE
                                            COMPANY,

Attest: /s/ Mary Pullum                     /s/ Bill D. Helton
        -----------------------------       ------------------------------
        Name:  Mary Pullum                  Name:  Bill D. Helton
       Title:  Assistant Secretary         Title:  Chairman of the Board
      


Signed, sealed and delivered by                 [CORPORATE SEAL]
SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE
COMPANY, in the presence of:

      _______________________ 

      _______________________


                                          CHEMICAL BANK,

                                                /s/ Josiane De Sousa
                                              ----------------------------
                                                 Name: Josiane De Sousa
                                                Title: Assistant Vice 
                                                        President

Attest:  /s/ Wanda Eiland
       -------------------------
      Name:  Wanda Eiland
     Title:  Trust Officer


Signed, sealed and delivered by                 [CORPORATE SEAL]
CHEMICAL BANK, in the presence of:

      _______________________ 

      _______________________ 




<PAGE>



STATE OF TEXAS   )
                 :  ss.:
COUNTY OF POTTER )

            The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me
this 1st day of March, 1996, by Bill D. Helton, Chairman of the
Board of SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY, a New Mexico cor-
poration, on behalf of said corporation.

(NOTARIAL SEAL)
                                          
                                            /s/ Patricia L. Belcher
                                         --------------------------------
                                          Notary Public, State of Texas
                                         My Commission Expires 2-8-2000




STATE OF NEW YORK  )
                   :  ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )

            The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me
this 1st day of March, 1996, by Josiane De Sousa, an Assistant
Vice President of CHEMICAL BANK, a New York corporation, on
behalf of said corporation acting in its capacity as trustee
under the Southwestern Public Service Company Indenture of
Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated August 1, 1946, as supple-
mented and amended.

(NOTARIAL SEAL)                           
                                        /s/ Emily Fayan
                                        ------------------------------------
                                        Notary Public, State of New York
                                                 No. 24-4737006
                                             Qualified in Kings County
                                       Certificate filed in New York County
                                           Term Expires December 31, 1997













<PAGE>
STATE OF TEXAS   )
                 :  ss.:
COUNTY OF POTTER )

            BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day
personally appeared Mary Pullum, who, having been by me first
duly sworn, upon oath says:

            That she is Assistant Secretary of Southwestern Pub-
lic Service Company which executed the foregoing instrument, as
Party of the First Part, and that Southwestern Public Service
Company is a corporation engaged in the States of Texas, New
Mexico and Oklahoma in the generation, manufacture, transmis-
sion, distribution and sale of electric energy and power to the
public for domestic, commercial, industrial and other uses, and
is one of the corporations referred to in the Business and Com-
merce Code of Texas, Title 4, Chapter 35 and in Chapter 62,
Article 13 Section 5 Paragraph A of New Mexico Statutes Anno-
tated (Laws 1961, ch. 76, Sec. 1, Laws 1973, ch. 253, Sec. 1)
and in 46 Okl. St. Ann., Section 17 (Laws 1963, ch. 359, Sec.
1, Laws 1984, ch. 229, Sec. 14).

            The foregoing instrument is a Supplemental Indenture
supplemental to an Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust from
Southwestern Public Service Company to Chemical Bank (successor
by merger to The New York Trust Company and Chemical Bank New
York Trust Company), as Trustee, dated August 1, 1946, which
contains after-acquired property provisions, and supplements
thereto dated December 1, 1946, November 1, 1947, January 20,
1948, February 1, 1949, December 1, 1949, February 1, 1950,
January 1, 1951, January 1, 1952, February 1, 1953, February 1,
1954, June 1, 1954, February 1, 1956, October 1, 1959, Febru-
ary 1, 1961, January 1, 1963, February 1, 1964, February 1,
1965, February 1, 1967, October 1, 1970, May 1, 1971, Octo-
ber 1, 1972, February 1, 1975, February 1, 1976, February 9,
1977, March 1, 1977, March 1, 1978, March 1, 1979, April 1,
1979, June 1, 1980, two supplements thereto dated October 1,
1981, July 1, 1982, two supplements thereto dated April 1,
1983, February 1, 1985, April 1, 1986, June 1, 1987, two sup-
plements thereto dated July 15, 1992, two supplements thereto
dated December 1, 1992, February 15, 1995, and March 1, 1996
each of which contains after-acquired property provisions.

            Dated this 1st day of March, 1996.

                                          /s/ Mary Pullum
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Name: Mary Pullum







<PAGE>
            Subscribed and sworn to before me by Mary Pullum on
this 1st day of March, 1996.

(NOTARIAL SEAL)
                                      
                              /s/ Patricia L. Belcher
                              -----------------------------------
                              Notary Public State of Texas 
                              My Commission Expires 2-8-2000













































<PAGE>

                                 EXHIBIT A

              [INSERT DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY TO BE PLEDGED]


















































                                                   Exhibit 4(D)

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________






              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY


                              TO


                         CHEMICAL BANK

      (Successor by Merger to The New York Trust Company
          and Chemical Bank New York Trust Company),

                                            As Trustee

                     _____________________

        SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE DATED                 ,
           SUPPLEMENTAL TO INDENTURE OF MORTGAGE AND
              DEED OF TRUST, DATED AUGUST 1, 1946





            THIS INSTRUMENT CONTAINS AFTER-ACQUIRED
                      PROPERTY PROVISIONS

               THIS INSTRUMENT GRANTS A SECURITY
                     INTEREST BY A UTILITY
                     _____________________

       RELATES TO FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS, ___% SERIES DUE ____






_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________




     
<PAGE>





            THIS INSTRUMENT CONTAINS AFTER-ACQUIRED
                      PROPERTY PROVISIONS





          SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated the          day of
           ,     , between SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY,
a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the
State of New Mexico (hereinafter called the "Company"), party
of the first part, and CHEMICAL BANK (successor by merger to
The New York Trust Company and Chemical Bank New York Trust
Company), a corporation organized and existing under the laws
of the State of New York, as Trustee under the Indenture here-
inafter mentioned (hereinafter called the "Trustee"), party of
the second part.

          WHEREAS, the Company executed and delivered to The
New York Trust Company, as Trustee, an Indenture of Mortgage
and Deed of Trust dated August 1, 1946 (hereinafter called the
"Original Indenture") and executed and delivered to The New
York Trust Company or to Chemical Bank New York Trust Company
or to Chemical Bank, as Trustee, supplemental indentures dated
December 1, 1946, November 1, 1947, January 20, 1948,
February 1, 1949, December 1, 1949, February 1, 1950,
January 1, 1951, January 1, 1952, February 1, 1953, February 1,
1954, June 1, 1954, February 1, 1956, October 1, 1959,
February 1, 1961, January 1, 1963, February 1, 1964,
February 1, 1965, February 1, 1967, October 1, 1970, May 1,
1971, October 1, 1972, February 1, 1975, February 1, 1976,
February 9, 1977, March 1, 1977, March 1, 1978, March 1, 1979,
April 1, 1979, June 1, 1980, two supplemental indentures dated
October 1, 1981, July 1, 1982, two supplemental indentures
dated April 1, 1983, February 1, 1985, April 1, 1986, June 1,
1987, two supplemental indentures dated July 15, 1992, two sup-
plemental indentures dated December 1, 1992, and supplemental
indentures dated February 15, 1995, March 1, 1996 [(1) and (2)]
(hereinafter called the "Supplemental Indentures"), to secure
authorized issues of First Mortgage Bonds (hereinafter called
the "Bonds") of the Company; and

          WHEREAS, on September 8, 1959, The New York Trust
Company was merged under the Banking Law of New York into
Chemical Corn Exchange Bank under the name of Chemical Bank New


     
<PAGE>
                              -2-



York Trust Company and on February 17, 1969, Chemical Bank New
York Trust Company was merged under the Banking Law of New York
into Chemical Bank under the name of Chemical Bank, which is
now the Trustee under the Original Indenture and Supplemental
Indentures; and

          WHEREAS, First Mortgage Bonds of the following Series
were duly issued under and in accordance with the terms of the
Original Indenture and the Supplemental Indentures and as of
the date of this Supplemental Indenture are outstanding in the
aggregate principal amounts set opposite the designations of
the Series:

                                          Principal Amounts
            Series                           Outstanding
            ------                         -----------------

     5.70% Series due 1997 ...............   $ 15,000,000
     6.875% Series due 1999 ..............   $ 90,000,000
     13 1/2% Series due 2001 .............   $ 25,000,000
     6 1/2% Series due 2004 ..............   $ 25,000,000
     7 1/4% Series due 2004 ..............   $135,000,000
     6 5/8% Series due 2009 ..............   $ 32,300,000
     8.20% Series due 2022 ...............   $100,000,000
     8 1/4% Series due 2022 ..............   $ 40,000,000
     8 1/2% Series due 2025 ..............   $ 70,000,000
     6 1/2% Series due 2006 ..............   $ 60,000,000
            (3)

and

          WHEREAS, as permitted by the Original Indenture, the
Company by resolutions of its Board of Directors duly adopted
has determined to create a new series of Bonds to be known as
First Mortgage Bonds, (4)% Series due (5) (hereinafter called
"Bonds of the New Series" or "Bonds of Series due (5)") in the
form and having the characteristics set forth in this Supple-
mental Indenture; and

          [WHEREAS, the Company has paid, redeemed or otherwise
retired and heretofore delivered to the Trustee certain Bonds
not heretofore made the basis of the issuance of additional
Bonds under Article 6 of the Original Indenture as heretofore
supplemented and it desires to issue Bonds of Series due (5)
against such retired Bonds; and]

          WHEREAS, the Company has purchased, constructed or
otherwise acquired subsequent to the execution and delivery of


     
<PAGE>
                              -3-



the Original Indenture certain Property Additions not hereto-
fore specifically mortgaged and pledged under the Original
Indenture as heretofore supplemented and it desires by the
inclusion of the descriptions thereof in this Supplemental
Indenture to specifically mortgage and pledge such property;
and

          WHEREAS, the Company, in the exercise of the powers
and authority conferred upon and reserved to it under and by
virtue of the provisions of the Original Indenture, as hereto-
fore supplemented, and particularly the provisions contained in
Articles Two and Eighteen thereof, and pursuant to appropriate
resolutions of its Board of Directors, has duly resolved and
determined to make, execute and deliver to the Trustee a Sup-
plemental Indenture in the form hereof for the purposes herein
provided; and

          WHEREAS, all conditions and requirements necessary to
make this Supplemental Indenture a valid, binding and legal
instrument in accordance with its terms have been done, per-
formed and fulfilled, and the execution and delivery hereof
have been in all respects duly authorized, and this Supplemen-
tal Indenture has been authorized by resolution duly adopted by
a vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors of the
Company;

          NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:  That the
Company, in consideration of the premises and of one dollar to
it duly paid by the Trustee at or before the ensealing and
delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby
acknowledged, and of other good and valuable consideration, in
order to better secure the payment both of the principal of and
interest on all Bonds issued under the Original Indenture and
the Supplemental Indentures and that may be issued under this
or any other indenture supplemental to the Original Indenture,
according to their tenor and effect, and the performance by the
Company of all the covenants and conditions therein and herein
contained, and in order to establish the terms of the Bonds of
the New Series, hereby further covenants and agrees to and with
the Trustee and its successors in the trust under the Original
Indenture for the benefit of all those who shall from time to
time hold the Bonds and interest coupons, if any, pertaining
thereto, as herein set forth, and does hereby ratify and con-
firm its mortgage and pledge to the Trustee of all property
described in the Original Indenture and the Supplemental Inden-
tures and does by these presents grant, bargain, sell, warrant,
alien, remise, release, convey, confirm, assign, transfer,


     
<PAGE>
                              -4-



mortgage, pledge, and set over unto the Trustee and to its suc-
cessors and assigns forever the described property set forth in
Exhibit A hereto (which shall for all purposes be treated as
being set forth in full herein) constituting property acquired
by the Company since the execution and delivery of the Original
Indenture, and not heretofore specifically mortgaged and
pledged under the Original Indenture as heretofore
supplemented.

          TOGETHER with all buildings, improvements, plants,
stations and substations located on the property referred to in
Exhibit A hereto (in the case of those located on leased prop-
erty, all of the Company's interest therein) or upon any other
property or rights of way now or hereafter owned by the Com-
pany, together with all easements, rights of way, permits,
privileges, towers, poles, machinery, transformers, insulators,
equipment, appliances, appurtenances, and all other property,
real or personal, of the Company forming a part of, or pertain-
ing to, or used, occupied or enjoyed by the Company in connec-
tion with, said improvements and miscellaneous property.

          Also all other property, real, personal and mixed,
which the Company now owns and which the Company may hereafter
acquire.

          TOGETHER with, all and singular, the tenements, here-
ditaments and appurtenances belonging or in anywise apper-
taining to said property or any part thereof with the reversion
and reversions, remainder and remainders, tolls, rents, reve-
nues, issues, earnings, income, products and profits thereof,
and all the estate, right, title and interest and claim whatso-
ever, at law as well as in equity, which the Company now has or
may hereafter acquire in and to said property, rights and fran-
chises, and every part and parcel thereof;

          EXPRESSLY EXCEPTING AND EXCLUDING, HOWEVER, from this
Supplemental Indenture and from the lien and operation hereof:

          (a)  any and all property of the character expressly
     excepted and excluded from the Original Indenture as here-
     tofore supplemented and from the lien and operation
     thereof, referred to therein as Excepted Property; and

          (b)  all property which has been released by the
     Trustee or otherwise disposed of by the Company free from
     the lien of the Original Indenture, as heretofore supple-
     mented, in accordance with the provisions thereof;


     
<PAGE>
                              -5-



          TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all such properties, real, per-
sonal and mixed, mortgaged, pledged or conveyed by the Company
as aforesaid, or intended so to be, unto the Trustee and its
successors and assigns forever;

          SUBJECT HOWEVER, to the exceptions hereinabove
recited, and to Permitted Encumbrances as defined in Section
4.01 of the Original Indenture, and liens existing on any prop-
erty hereafter acquired by the Company at the time of such
acquisition and permitted by Section 9.15 of the Original
Indenture, Section 3.02 of the Supplemental Indenture dated
February 1, 1967 and Section 2.02 of the Supplemental Inden-
tures dated March 1, 1979, October 1, 1981 and the two Supple-
mental Indentures dated July 15, 1992, the two Supplemental
Indentures dated December 1, 1992, the Supplemental Indentures
dated February 15, 1995, March 1, 1996 [and (1)] and of this
Supplemental Indenture;

          IN TRUST, NEVERTHELESS, for the purposes and upon the
trusts, terms and conditions, and subject to and with the pro-
visos and covenants set forth in the Original Indenture, the
Supplemental Indentures and this Supplemental Indenture with
the same effect in all respects as if the property and rights
herein described and herein conveyed to the Trustee had at the
time of the execution and delivery of the Original Indenture
been owned by the Company and had been specifically and at
length described in and conveyed to the Trustee by the Original
Indenture as a part of the property therein stated to be con-
veyed and as if this Supplemental Indenture had been executed
and delivered at the time of the execution and delivery of the
Original Indenture.

                          ARTICLE ONE

                    BONDS OF THE NEW SERIES

          Section 1.01.  There is hereby created a series of
Bonds, known as and entitled "First Mortgage Bonds, (4)% Series
due (5)," and the form thereof shall be as provided in this
Supplemental Indenture.

          The aggregate principal amount of Bonds of the New
Series which may be authenticated and delivered and outstanding
under the Original Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture
shall be unlimited except as provided in Articles Two, Three,
Four, Five and Six of the Original Indenture, as amended by the
Supplemental Indenture dated February 9, 1977.  Bonds of the


     
<PAGE>
                              -6-



New Series shall bear interest at the rate of (4)% per annum
until the principal thereof becomes due and payable and there-
after, if default be made in the payment of such principal, at
the rate of 6% per annum until the principal thereof shall be
paid and shall mature (5).

          Bonds of the New Series shall be registered Bonds in
book-entry or definitive form without coupons of the denomina-
tions of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 which may
be executed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee for
authentication and delivery.  Bonds of the New Series[, if
authenticated and delivered prior to (6), shall be dated (7),
and, if authenticated and delivered on or after (6),] shall be
dated as provided in Section 2.05 of the Original Indenture.
Bonds of the New Series shall bear interest from their respec-
tive dates, such interest to be payable on (6) and semi-annu-
ally thereafter on the first day of (8) and (9) in each year.
The principal of and interest on the Bonds of the New Series
shall be payable at the principal corporate trust office of the
Trustee or its successor in trust under the Indenture, in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York (unless the Company
shall designate and maintain some other office or agency for
such purpose), in any coin or currency of the United States of
America which at the time of payment shall be legal tender for
the payment of public and private debts.  Notwithstanding any-
thing in the Original Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture
to the contrary, so long as the Bonds are in a book-entry only
system, payment of principal of and interest on the Bonds of
the New Series will be in accordance with arrangements with The
Depository Trust Company, New York, New York and its successors
and assigns ("DTC").  Bonds of the New Series shall be subject
to redemption as provided in Section 1.03 of this Supplemental
Indenture.

          Definitive Bonds of the New Series may be issued in
the form of engraved Bonds or Bonds lithographed or printed
with steel engraved borders, and the signature of the Chairman
of the Board, the President or a Vice-President and of the Sec-
retary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company may be fac-
simile.  Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section,
definitive Bonds of the New Series, upon surrender to the Trus-
tee at its principal corporate trust office, shall be exchange-
able for other Bonds of the same series [(dated (7), in the
case of an exchange prior to (6)] and dated as provided in
Section 2.05 of the Original Indenture in case of an exchange
on or after (6))] in such authorized denomination or denomina-
tions in the same aggregate principal amount, as may be


     
<PAGE>
                              -7-



requested by the holder surrendering the same.  No charge for
any such exchange shall be made except for taxes or governmen-
tal charges.  The Company will execute, and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver, Bonds whenever the same shall be
required for any such exchange.

          [If the Bonds of the New Series are to be issued in
book-entry form only, notwithstanding any provision of the
Original Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture to the con-
trary, unless the Company shall otherwise direct (which direc-
tion shall promptly be given at the written request of the Com-
pany), all Bonds of the New Series issued hereunder shall be
registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, as
registered owner of the Bonds of the New Series, and held in
the custody of DTC.  Unless otherwise requested by DTC, a sin-
gle certificate will be issued and delivered to DTC.  Benefi-
cial owners of Bonds of the New Series will not receive physi-
cal delivery of Bond certificates except as provided herein-
after.  For so long as DTC shall continue to serve as securi-
ties depository for the Bonds of the New Series as provided
herein, all transfers of beneficial ownership interests will be
made by book-entry only, and no investor or other party pur-
chasing, selling or otherwise transferring beneficial ownership
of Bonds of the New Series is to receive, hold or deliver any
Bond certificate. 

          With respect to Bonds of the New Series registered in
the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, the Trustee and the
Company shall have no responsibility or obligation to the secu-
rities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations and certain other organizations on whose behalf
DTC was created to hold securities to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among DTC Partici-
pants ("DTC Participants") or to any person on whose behalf a
DTC Participant holds an interest in the Bonds of the New
Series.  Without limiting the immediately preceding sentence,
the Trustee and the Company shall have no responsibility or
obligation with respect to (i) the accuracy of the records of
DTC, Cede & Co. or any DTC Participant with respect to any own-
ership interest in the Bonds of the New Series, (ii) the deliv-
ery to any DTC Participant or any other person, other than a
registered owner of the Bonds of the New Series, as shown on
the registration books, of any notice with respect to the Bonds
of the New Series, including any notice of redemption, or (iii)
the payment to any DTC Participant or any other person, other
than a registered owner of the Bonds of the New Series, as
shown in the registration books, of any amount with respect to


     
<PAGE>
                              -8-



principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Bonds of
the New Series. 

          If the Bonds of the New Series are to be issued in
book-entry form only, replacement Bonds may be issued directly
to beneficial owners of Bonds of the New Series other than DTC,
or its nominee, but only in the event that (i) DTC determines
not to continue to act as securities depository for the Bonds
of the New Series (which determination shall become effective
by the giving of reasonable notice to the Company or the Trus-
tee); or (ii) the Company has advised DTC of its determination
(which determination is conclusive as to DTC and beneficial
owners of the Bonds of the New Series) to terminate the ser-
vices of DTC as securities depository for the Bonds of the New
Series; or (iii) the Company has determined (which determina-
tion is conclusive as to DTC and the beneficial owners of the
Bonds of the New Series) that the interests of the beneficial
owners of the Bonds of the New Series might be adversely
affected if such book-entry only system of transfer is contin-
ued.  Upon occurrence of the event set forth in (i) above, the
Company shall use its best efforts to attempt to locate another
qualified securities depository.  If the Company fails to
locate another qualified securities depository to replace DTC,
the Company shall direct the Trustee to cause to be authenti-
cated and delivered replacement Bonds of the New Series, in
certificate form, to the beneficial owners of the Bonds of the
New Series.  In the event that the Company makes the determina-
tion noted in (ii) or (iii) above (provided that the Company
undertakes no obligation to make any investigation to determine
the occurrence of any events that would permit the Company to
make any such determination), and has made provisions to notify
the beneficial owners of Bonds of the New Series of such deter-
mination by mailing an appropriate notice to DTC, the Company
shall cause to be issued replacement Bonds of the New Series in
certificate form to beneficial owners of the Bonds of the New
Series as shown on the records of DTC provided to the Trustee
and the Company.

          Whenever, during the term of the Bonds of the New
Series, the beneficial ownership thereof is determined by a
book-entry system at DTC, the requirements in the Original
Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture of holding, delivering
or transferring Bonds or selection of Bonds to be redeemed
shall be deemed modified to require the appropriate person or
entity to meet the requirements of DTC as to registering or
transferring of its position in the book-entry system to pro-
duce the same effect.


     
<PAGE>
                              -9-



          If the Bonds of the New Series are to be issued in
book-entry form only, notwithstanding any provision of the
Original Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture to the con-
trary, all Bonds of the New Series issued hereunder, if DTC so
requires, shall bear a legend substantially to the following
effect:

          Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized
     representative of The Depository Trust Company, a New York
     corporation ("DTC"), to the Company or its agent for reg-
     istration of transfer, exchange, or payment, and any cer-
     tificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or
     in such other name as is requested by an authorized repre-
     sentative of DTC (and any payment is made to Cede & Co. or
     to such other entity as is requested by an authorized rep-
     resentative of DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE
     HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS
     WRONGFUL inasmuch as the registered owner hereof, Cede &
     Co., has an interest herein.  

          If the Bonds of the New Series are to be issued in
book-entry form only, the Company and the Trustee shall enter
into a letter of representations with DTC to implement the
book-entry only system of Bond registration described above.

          If at any time DTC ceases to hold the Bonds of the
New Series, all references herein to DTC shall be of no further
force or effect.]

          Section 1.02.  The text of the Bonds of the New
Series and the certificate of authentication of the Trustee to
be executed thereon are to be substantially in the following
forms, respectively:

           (FORM OF FACE OF BONDS OF THE NEW SERIES)
                      CUSIP No. _________

No. R ___________                                   $__________

              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

           First Mortgage Bond, (4)% Series Due (5)
                           Due (10),

          SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY (hereinafter
called the "Company"), a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the State of New Mexico, for value received,


     
<PAGE>
                             -10-



hereby promises to pay to                    or registered
assigns, on the (11) day of (12), (13)             DOLLARS in
any coin or currency of the United States of America which at
the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of
public and private debts, and to pay interest thereon from the
date hereof, at the rate of (4) percent per annum, payable in
like coin or currency semi-annually on (8) and (9) in each
year, commencing (6) until the principal hereof shall have
become due and payable, and thereafter if default be made in
the payment of such principal, at the rate of six percent per
annum, until the principal hereof shall be paid.

          The principal of and interest on this Bond are pay-
able at the principal corporate trust office of Chemical Bank
or its successor in trust under the Indenture (as hereinafter
defined), in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York
(unless the Company shall designate and maintain some other
office or agency for such purpose).  [Notwithstanding anything
in the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated August 1,
1946 (hereinafter called the "Original Indenture") or the Sup-
plemental Indenture dated               to the contrary, so
long as the Bonds are in a book-entry only system, payment of
principal of and interest on this Bond will be in accordance
with arrangements with The Depository Trust Company, New York,
New York and its successors and assigns ("DTC").]

          The provisions of this Bond are continued on the
reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all pur-
poses have the same effect as though fully set forth at this
place.

          This Bond shall not be valid or become obligatory for
any purpose until the certificate of authentication hereon
shall have been duly executed by Chemical Bank, as Trustee, or
its successor, as Trustee, under the Indenture.














     
<PAGE>
                             -11-



          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Bond
to be signed in its name by the manual or facsimile signature
of its Chairman of the Board, its President or a Vice-President
and its corporate seal to be impressed or imprinted hereon and
attested by the manual or facsimile signature of its Secretary
or an Assistant Secretary.

Dated

                         SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY,

                              By

                                                  President

Attest:

               Secretary































     
<PAGE>
                             -12-



  (FORM OF TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE FOR BONDS OF THE NEW SERIES)

  This is one of the Bonds described in the within mentioned
   Indenture,

                         CHEMICAL BANK

                                                 As Trustee

                              By

                                         Authorized Officer

         (FORM OF REVERSE OF BONDS OF THE NEW SERIES)

          This Bond is one of an authorized issue of Bonds of
the Company known as its "First Mortgage Bonds," issued and to
be issued in one or more series under, and all equally and rat-
ably secured (except as any sinking, amortization improvement,
renewal or other analogous fund, established in accordance with
the provisions of the Indenture hereinafter mentioned, may
afford additional security for the Bonds of any particular
series) by, the Original Indenture, as supplemented (a) by Sup-
plemental Indentures dated December 1, 1946, November 1, 1947,
January 20, 1948, February 1, 1949, December 1, 1949,
February 1, 1950, January 1, 1951, January 1, 1952, February 1,
1953, February 1, 1954, June 1, 1954, and February 1, 1956,
executed by the Company to The New York Trust Company, as Trus-
tee, (b) by Supplemental Indentures dated October 1, 1959,
February 1, 1961, January 1, 1963, February 1, 1964,
February 1, 1965 and February 1, 1967, from the Company to
Chemical Bank New York Trust Company, as Trustee, and (c) by
Supplemental Indentures dated October 1, 1970, May 1, 1971,
October 1, 1972, February 1, 1975, February 1, 1976,
February 9, 1977, March 1, 1977, March 1, 1978, March 1, 1979,
April 1, 1979, June 1, 1980, two Supplemental Indentures dated
October 1, 1981, July 1, 1982, two Supplemental Indentures
dated April 1, 1983, February 1, 1985, April 1, 1986, June 1,
1987, two Supplemental Indentures dated July 15, 1992, two Sup-
plemental Indentures dated December 1, 1992 and Supplemental
Indentures dated February 15, 1995, March 1, 1996 [(1) and (2)]
from the Company to Chemical Bank (hereinafter called the
"Trustee"), successor by merger to The New York Trust Company
and Chemical Bank New York Trust Company, as Trustee (said
Mortgage and Deed of Trust as so supplemented being hereinafter
collectively called the "Indenture"), to which Indenture and
all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made


     
<PAGE>
                             -13-



for a description of the properties mortgaged and pledged, the
nature and extent of the security, the rights of the holders of
said Bonds and the coupons appurtenant to coupon Bonds and of
the Trustee and of the Company in respect of such security, and
the terms and conditions upon which said Bonds are and are to
be secured.  To the extent permitted by the Indenture and as
provided therein, with the consent of the Company and upon the
written consent or affirmative vote of the holders of at least
sixty-six and two-thirds percent in principal amount of the
Bonds then outstanding and entitled to consent, and of the
holders of not less than sixty-six and two-thirds percent in
principal amount of the Bonds then outstanding and entitled to
consent of each series affected thereby in case one or more but
less than all of the series of Bonds issued under the Indenture
are so affected, the rights and obligations of the Company and
of the holders of Bonds and coupons appurtenant to coupon
Bonds, and the terms and provisions of the Indenture and of any
instrument supplemental thereto may be modified from time to
time, provided that no such modification or alteration shall be
made which will affect the terms of payment of the principal
of, or interest or premium on, the Bonds, or reduce the per-
centage of the principal amount of Bonds, the consent of which
is required for the authorization of any such modification or
alteration, or which would modify, without the written consent
of the Trustee, the rights or obligations of the Trustee.  The
Company has reserved the right to amend the Indenture without
any consent or any other action by holders of any Series of
Bonds created after July 15, 1992, including the First Mortgage
Bonds, (4)% Series due (5), to make such amendments to the
Indenture as shall be necessary in order to amend or delete in
its entirety the maintenance covenant contained therein.  As
provided in the Indenture, said Bonds are issuable in series
which may vary as in the Indenture provided or permitted.  This
Bond is one of a series of Bonds entitled "First Mortgage Bonds
(4)% Series due (5)".

          [(16)]  This Bond is subject to redemption at any
time upon at least thirty (30) days' and not more than fifty
(50) days' notice given as provided in the Indenture, at the
option of the Company at the following redemption prices,
expressed in percentages of principal amount:

If redeemed                    If redeemed      
during 12        Redemption    during 12        Redemption
months ending    Prices        months ending    Prices
- -------------    ----------    -------------    ----------
    (14)            (14)           (14)            (14)


     
<PAGE>
                             -14-



together, in each case, with accrued and unpaid interest on the
principal amount thereof up to but not including the date fixed
for redemption,[ provided, however, that this Bond may not be
so redeemed at the option of the Company prior to         ,
directly or indirectly from or in anticipation of moneys bor-
rowed by or for the account of the Company at an interest cost
(calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial
practice and before deducting commissions and expenses) of less
than (15)% per annum.]  [This Bond is subject to redemption at
any time out of proceeds received by the Trustee by reason of
the taking of any property subject to the Indenture by the
power of eminent domain or by lawful governmental authority,
upon the notice hereinabove mentioned, all as more fully pro-
vided in the Indenture, at the special redemption price of 100%
of its principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid
interest thereon to the date fixed for redemption.]

          If an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture,
shall occur, the principal of this Bond may become or be
declared due and payable, in the manner and with the effect
provided in the Indenture.  This Bond is transferable by the
registered owner hereof in person or by attorney authorized in
writing, at the principal corporate trust office of the Trustee
in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York (unless the
Company shall designate and maintain some other office or
agency for such purpose), upon surrender for cancellation of
this Bond and on payment of the charges and subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture, and upon any
such transfer a new bond of the same series, for the same
aggregate principal amount, [dated (7) if authenticated and
delivered prior to (6), and dated as provided in Section 2.05
of the Original Indenture if authenticated and delivered on or
after (6)] will be issued to the transferee in exchange
herefor.  First Mortgage Bonds, (4)% Series due (5), are issu-
able as registered Bonds without coupons of the denominations
of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 which may be exe-
cuted by the Company and delivered to the Trustee for authenti-
cation and delivery.  All Bonds of said Series, upon surrender
to the Trustee at its principal corporate trust office in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York (unless the Company
shall designate and maintain some other office or agency for
such purpose), are exchangeable for other Bonds of the same
series [(dated (7), in the case of an exchange prior to (6),
and dated as provided in Section 2.05 of the Original Indenture
in case of an exchange on or after (6))] in such authorized
denomination or denominations in the same aggregate principal
amount, as may be requested by the holder surrendering the


     
<PAGE>
                             -15-



same.  The Company and the Trustee and any paying agent may
deem and treat the person in whose name this Bond is registered
as the absolute owner hereof, for the purpose of receiving pay-
ment of or on account of the principal hereof and interest due
hereon, and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any paying
agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.  No
recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement
contained in this Bond or in the Indenture or any indenture
supplemental thereto or under or upon any indebtedness secured
by or arising out of the Indenture or any indenture supplemen-
tal thereto shall be had against any incorporator, stockholder,
director or officer, as such, past, present or future, of the
Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation, either
directly or through the Company or such predecessor or succes-
sor corporation, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute
or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or pen-
alty or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise how-
soever; all such liability being, by the acceptance hereof and
as a part of the consideration for the issuance hereof,
expressly waived and released by every holder hereof, and being
likewise released by the terms of the Indenture.

          [Whenever the beneficial ownership of this Bond is
determined by a book-entry system at a securities depository
for the Bonds, the foregoing requirements of holding, deliver-
ing or transferring this Bond shall be modified to require the
appropriate person or entity to meet the requirements of the
securities depository as to registering or transferring of its
position in the book-entry system to produce the same effect.]

          SECTION 1.03.  (16)  Bonds of the New Series shall be
redeemable (exept as otherwise provided in Section 8.05 of the
Original Indenture, as amended by Section 3.01 of the Supple-
mental Indenture dated February 1, 1949) at the option of the
Company, at any time and from time to time [on or after
__________], in whole or in part, in the manner, with the
effect and upon the notice provided in Article Eleven of the
Original Indenture at the general redemption prices set forth
in Section 1.02 of this Supplemental Indenture, together, in
each case, with accrued and unpaid interest on the principal
amount thereof up to but not including the date fixed for
redemption,[ provided, however, that Bonds of the New Series
may not be so redeemed at the option of the Company prior to
(15), directly or indirectly from or in anticipation of moneys
borrowed by or for the account of the Company at an interest
cost (calculated in accordance with generally accepted finan-
cial practice and before deducting commissions and expenses) of


     
<PAGE>
                             -16-



less than (15)% per annum.]  [The redemption price for Bonds of
the New Series which are to be redeemed by the use of Trust
Monies which are the proceeds of the taking of any part of the
Trust Estate through exercise of the power of eminent domain or
by the exercise of any State, municipality or other governmen-
tal authority of any right which it may have to purchase any
part of the Trust Estate, as provided in Section 8.05 of the
Original Indenture, as amended by Section 3.01 of the Supple-
mental Indenture dated February 1, 1949, shall be 100% together
with accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount
thereof up to but not including the date fixed for redemption.]

                          ARTICLE TWO

                   MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

          Section 2.01.  All the provisions, terms and condi-
tions of the Original Indenture, as heretofore supplemented and
amended by the Supplemental Indentures, shall continue in full
force and effect.  All terms defined in the Original Indenture,
as heretofore supplemented, shall, for all purposes of this
Supplemental Indenture, have the meaning specified in the
Original Indenture, as heretofore supplemented, unless the text
otherwise indicates.

          Section 2.02.  (a)  The Company covenants that so
long as any Bonds of the New Series shall remain outstanding it
will comply with the covenants contained in Sections 9.06 and
9.15 of the Original Indenture to the same extent as if the
clause "so long as any of the Bonds of 2 7/8% Series due 1971
shall be outstanding" in each instance where it or a similar
clause appears in such Sections were replaced by the clause "so
long as any of the Bonds of 2 7/8% Series due 1971 or any of
the Bonds of (4)% Series due (5) shall be outstanding".

          (b)  The Company reserves the right, subject to
appropriate corporate action, but without any consent or other
action by holders of Bonds of any series created after July 15,
1992, including the Bonds of the New Series, to make such
amendments to the Original Indenture, and to the Original
Indenture as supplemented, as shall be necessary in order to
amend or delete in its entirety paragraph (a) of this Section
2.02 and/or Section 9.06 of the Original Indenture.

          Section 2.03.  To the extent authorized, permitted or
necessary under applicable law, this Supplemental Indenture
shall also be considered to be a security agreement and


     
<PAGE>
                             -17-



financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code as
adopted or hereafter adopted in one or more of the states in
which any part of such properties, as aforesaid, are situated.
The mailing address of Southwestern Public Service Company (the
Debtor) is:  Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo, Texas 79101.  The mail-
ing address of Chemical Bank, as Trustee (the Secured Party)
is:  450 West 33rd Street, 15th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10001,
Attention:  Corporate Trustee Administration.

          Section 2.04.  This Supplemental Indenture may be
executed in several counterparts, all or any of which may be
treated for all purposes as one original, and shall constitute
and be one and the same instrument.

          Section 2.05.  The Trustee shall not be responsible
in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or
sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture, or the due execu-
tion hereof by the Company, or for or in respect of the recit-
als contained herein, all of which recitals are made by the
Company solely.

          This Supplemental Indenture has been dated (2),
solely for convenience, but has in fact been executed by the
parties hereto on the dates indicated by their respective
acknowledgements.
























     
<PAGE>
                             -18-



          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COM-
PANY, party hereto of the first part, has caused this Supple-
mental Indenture to be executed on its behalf and its corporate
seal to be hereto affixed and to be attested, and CHEMICAL
BANK, party hereto of the second part, in evidence of its
acceptance of the trust hereby created, has caused this Supple-
mental Indenture to be executed on its behalf and its corporate
seal to be hereto affixed and to be attested, all as of the day
and year first above written.

                                   SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE
                                     COMPANY,
                                        /s/
                                       ------------------------------
Attest:  ____________________           Name:
                                        Title:
     Name:
     Title:


Signed, sealed and delivered by         [CORPORATE SEAL]
SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE
COMPANY, in the presence of:

     /s/                     
     ------------------------------
     /s/                     
     ------------------------------

                                   CHEMICAL BANK,
                                        /s/
                                        ---------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

Attest:  /s/
       ----------------------------- 
     Name:
     Title:


Signed, sealed and delivered by         [CORPORATE SEAL]
CHEMICAL BANK, in the presence of:

     /s/                        
    ---------------------------------
     /s/                        
    ---------------------------------





     
<PAGE>



STATE OF TEXAS   )
                 :  ss.:
COUNTY OF POTTER )

          The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me
this      day of        ,     , by                 ,
                of SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY, a New
Mexico corporation, on behalf of said corporation.

(NOTARIAL SEAL)
                                   /s/
                                   -------------------------------  
                                   Notary Public, State of Texas
                                   My Commission Expires [     ]




STATE OF NEW YORK  )
                   :  ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )

          The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me
this      day of        ,     , by             ,
of CHEMICAL BANK, a New York corporation, on behalf of said
corporation acting in its capacity as trustee under the South-
western Public Service Company Indenture of Mortgage and Deed
of Trust dated August 1, 1946, as supplemented and amended.

(NOTARIAL SEAL)
                              /s/  
                              ------------------------------------
                                  Notary Public, State of New York
                                          No. [         ]
                                     Qualified in King's County
                                Certificate filed in New York County
                                      Term Expires [         ]













     
<PAGE>
STATE OF TEXAS   )
                 :  ss.:
COUNTY OF POTTER )

          BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day
personally appeared                  , who, having been by me
first duly sworn, upon oath says:

          That he is Secretary of Southwestern Public Service
Company which executed the foregoing instrument, as Party of
the First Part, and that Southwestern Public Service Company is
a corporation engaged in the States of Texas, New Mexico and
Oklahoma in the generation, manufacture, transmission, distri-
bution and sale of electric energy and power to the public for
domestic, commercial, industrial and other uses, and is one of
the corporations referred to in the Business and Commerce Code
of Texas, Title 4, Chapter 35 and in Chapter 62, Article 13
Section 5 Paragraph A of New Mexico Statutes Annotated (Laws
1961, ch. 76, Sec. 1, Laws 1973, ch. 253, Sec. 1) and in 46
Okl. St. Ann., Section 17 (Laws 1963, ch. 359, Sec. 1, Laws
1984, ch. 229, Sec. 14).

          The foregoing instrument is a Supplemental Indenture
supplemental to an Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust from
Southwestern Public Service Company to Chemical Bank (successor
by merger to The New York Trust Company and Chemical Bank New
York Trust Company), as Trustee, dated August 1, 1946, which
contains after-acquired property provisions, and supplements
thereto dated December 1, 1946, November 1, 1947, January 20,
1948, February 1, 1949, December 1, 1949, February 1, 1950,
January 1, 1951, January 1, 1952, February 1, 1953, February 1,
1954, June 1, 1954, February 1, 1956, October 1, 1959, Febru-
ary 1, 1961, January 1, 1963, February 1, 1964, February 1,
1965, February 1, 1967, October 1, 1970, May 1, 1971, Octo-
ber 1, 1972, February 1, 1975, February 1, 1976, February 9,
1977, March 1, 1977, March 1, 1978, March 1, 1979, April 1,
1979, June 1, 1980, two supplements thereto dated October 1,
1981, July 1, 1982, two supplements thereto dated April 1,
1983, February 1, 1985, April 1, 1986, June 1, 1987, two sup-
plements thereto dated July 15, 1992, two supplements thereto
dated December 1, 1992, February 15, 1995, March 1, 1996 [(1)
and (2)], each of which contains after-acquired property
provisions.

          Dated this      day of        ,     .

                                   /s/
                                   ------------------------------
                                   Name:





     
<PAGE>
          Subscribed and sworn to before me by
on this      day of        ,     .

(NOTARIAL SEAL)
                                   /s/  
                                -------------------------------
                                 Notary Public State of Texas 
                                My Commission Expires [      ]














































     
<PAGE>



                           EXHIBIT A

                             (17)














































     
<PAGE>



                     Notes to Supplemental Indenture


(1)       The date of any unlisted prior Supplemental Indenture
          to be inserted.

(2)       The date of this Supplemental Indenture to be
          inserted.

(3)       The designation and amount outstanding of any
          unlisted previously issued series of Bonds to be
          inserted.

(4)       The interest rate of the New Bonds to be inserted.

(5)       The date on which or the year in which the New Bonds
          are to mature is to be added.

(6)       The first interest payment date shall be inserted.

(7)       The original issue date shall be inserted.

(8)       The month in which the second semi-annual interest
          payment date falls shall be inserted.

(9)       The month in which the third semi-annual interest
          payment date falls shall be inserted.

(10)      The date on which New Bonds are to mature shall be
          inserted.

(11)      The day of month in which the New Bonds are to mature
          shall be inserted.

(12)      The month in which the New Bonds are to mature shall
          be inserted.

(13)      The year in which the New Bonds are to mature shall
          be inserted.

(14)      Any redemption price or prices shall be inserted.

(15)      Any limitation on refunding shall be inserted if
          there is one.

(16)      Insert appropriate language to the effect that the
          New Bonds are not redeemable or are not redeemable


     
<PAGE>
                              -2-



          prior to a specified date and modify the text, if
          appropriate, for the New Bonds.

(17)      A description of any property to be pledged shall be
          inserted.












































     



                                                             EXHIBIT 4(e)
                         SPS
                SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE

     Number                                       Shares     

             SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
   INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO
                                                            CUSIP              
                                            See Rerverse For Certain Definitions

  This Certifies that

            S     P     E     C     I     M     E     N     

is the owner of

    full paid and non-assessable shares, having a par value of $1 per share, 
of the      % 
 
                          PREFERRED STOCK of
                 SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

(hereinafter called the Company), transferable on the books of the Company by 
the holder hereof in person or by a duly authorized attorney upon surrender of 
this certificate properly endorsed.  This certificate and the shares 
represented hereby are issued and shall be held subject to all the provisions 
of the Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company and all amendments 
thereof and Certificates creating series of Preferred Stock, copies of which 
are on file with the Transfer Agent, to all of which the holder, by acceptance 
hereof, assents.  This certificate is not valid until countersigned by the 
Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar.

            WITNESS the seal of the Company and the signatures of its President 
and Secretary.


Secretary                  Corporate Seal         President





      
<PAGE>
                                           -2-

      The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face 
of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in 
full according to applicable laws or regulations:

TEN COM -- as tenants in common       UNIF GIFT MIN ACT --
                                          Custodian
                                      --------------------
TEN ENT -- as tenants by the          (Cust)   (Minor)
              entireties              under Uniform
JT TEN  -- as joint tenants with      Gifts to Minors
              right of survivorship   Act___________
              and not as tenants in        (State)
              common

         Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

                   SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

      THE COMPANY WILL FURNISH TO EACH STOCKHOLDER UPON REQUEST AND WITHOUT 
CHARGE, A FULL STATEMENT OF THE DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES, LIMITATIONS AND 
RELATIVE RIGHTS OF EACH CLASS OF STOCK OR SERIES THEREOF OF THE COMPANY, AND 
THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO FIX AND DETERMINE THE RELATIVE 
RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF SUBSEQUENT SERIES OF PREFERRED STOCK.  SUCH REQUEST 
MAY BE MADE TO THE COMPANY OR THE TRANSFER AGENT.

            For Value Received, _________ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

Please Insert Social Security
 Or Other Identifying Number 
 Of Asssignee
_____________________________

_____________________________

_________________________________________________________________ 
    (Please Print Or Typewrite Name And Address Of Assignee)
_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________Shares
of the capital stock represented by the within Certificate, and do 
hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint

________________________________________________________Attorney
to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Company 
with full power of substitution in the premises.
Date__________________<PAGE>
                                           -3-


____________________________________________
NOTICE:  The Signature To This Assignment
         Must Correspond With The Name As
         Written Upon The Face Of The
         Certificate In Every Particular
         Without Alteration Or Enlargement
         Or Unit Change Whatever































      




                                                   Exhibit 4(f)









              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY





                        DEBT SECURITIES





                           INDENTURE

                                                               

             Dated as of                    , 1996



                                 , Trustee


















<PAGE>
                 PARTIAL CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE

Indenture Section                              TIA Section

     2.05                                      317(b)
     2.06                                      312(a)
     2.11                                      316(a)
                                               (last sentence)

     4.05                                      314(a)(4)
     4.06                                      314(a)(1)

     6.03                                      317(a)(1)
     6.04                                      316(a)(1)(B)
     6.05                                      316(a)(1)(A)
     6.07                                      317(a)(1)

     7.01                                      315(a)
                                               315(d)
     7.04                                      315(b)
     7.05                                      313(a), 313(d)
     7.07                                      310(a), 310(b)
     7.09                                      310(a)(2)

     8.02                                      310(a), 310(b)

     10.04                                     316(c)

     11.01                                     318(a)
     11.02                                     313(c)
     11.03                                     314(c)(1)
                                               314(c)(2)
     11.04                                     314(e)
















                              -i-

<PAGE>
                       TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article    Section       Heading                           Page

   1                DEFINITIONS

            1.01    Definitions .......................      1
            1.02    Other Definitions .................      3
            1.03    Rules of Construction .............      4

   2                THE SECURITIES

            2.01    Issuable in Series ................      4
            2.02    Execution and Authentication.......      6
            2.03    Bond Agents .......................      7
            2.04    Bearer Securities .................      7
            2.05    Paying Agent to Hold Money in
                      Trust ...........................      8
            2.06    Securityholder Lists ..............      9
            2.07    Transfer and Exchange .............      9
            2.08    Replacement Securities ............     10
            2.09    Outstanding Securities ............     10
            2.10    Discounted Securities .............     11
            2.11    Treasury Securities ...............     11
            2.12    Global Securities .................     11
            2.13    Temporary Securities ..............     12
            2.14    Cancellation ......................     12
            2.15    Defaulted Interest ................     12
            
   3                REDEMPTION

            3.01    Notices to Trustee ................     13
            3.02    Selection of Securities to Be
                      Redeemed ........................     13
            3.03    Notice of Redemption ..............     13
            3.04    Effect of Notice of
                      Redemption ......................     14
            3.05    Payment of Redemption Price .......     15
            3.06    Securities Redeemed in Part .......     15

   4                COVENANTS

            4.01    Certain Definitions ...............     16
            4.02    Payment of Securities .............     16
            4.03    Overdue Interest ..................     16
            4.04    No Lien Created, etc. .............     16
            4.05    Compliance Certificate ............     17
            4.06    SEC Reports .......................     17



                             -ii-

<PAGE>
Article    Section       Heading                           Page

   5                SUCCESSORS

            5.01    When Company May Merge, etc. ......     17
            
   6                DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

            6.01    Events of Default .................     18
            6.02    Acceleration ......................     19
            6.03    Other Remedies ....................     20
            6.04    Waiver of Past Defaults ...........     20
            6.05    Control by Majority ...............     21
            6.06    Limitation on Suits ...............     21
            6.07    Collection Suit by Trustee ........     21
            6.08    Priorities ........................     22

   7                TRUSTEE

            7.01    Rights of Trustee .................     22
            7.02    Individual Rights of Trustee ......     23
            7.03    Trustee's Disclaimer ..............     23
            7.04    Notice of Defaults ................     23
            7.05    Reports by Trustee to Holders .....     24
            7.06    Compensation and Indemnity ........     24
            7.07    Replacement of Trustee ............     25
            7.08    Successor Trustee by Merger,
                      etc. ............................     26
            7.09    Trustee's Capital and Surplus .....     26
            
   8                DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE

            8.01    Defeasance ........................     26
            8.02    Conditions to Defeasance ..........     27
            8.03    Application of Trust Money ........     27
            8.04    Repayment to Company ..............     27

   9                CONVERSION

            9.01    Conversion Privilege ..............     29
            9.02    Conversion Procedure ..............     29
            9.03    Taxes on Conversion ...............     30
            9.04    Company Determination Final .......     31
            9.05    Trustee's and Conversion
                      Agent's  Disclaimer .............     31
            9.06    Company to Provide Conversion
                      Securities ......................     31
            9.07    Cash Settlement Option ............     31
            9.08    Adjustment in Conversion Rate
                      for Change in Capital Stock .....     33

                             -iii-

<PAGE>
Article    Section       Heading                           Page

            9.09    Adjustment in Conversion Rate
                      for Common Stock Issued
                      Below Market Price ..............     34
            9.10    Adjustment for Other
                      Distributions ...................     36
            9.11    Voluntary Adjustment ..............     37
            9.12    When Adjustment May Be
                      Deferred ........................     37
            9.13    When No Adjustment Required .......     38
            9.14    Notice of Adjustment ..............     38
            9.15    Notice of Certain
                      Transactions ....................     38
            9.16    Reorganization of the Company .....     39
            
   10               AMENDMENTS

            10.01   Without Consent of Holders ........     39
            10.02   With Consent of Holders ...........     40
            10.03   Compliance with Trust Inden-
                      ture Act ........................     41
            10.04   Effect of Consents ................     41
            10.05   Notation on or Exchange of
                      Securities ......................     41
            10.06   Trustee Protected .................     42

   11               MISCELLANEOUS

            11.01   Trust Indenture Act ...............     42
            11.02   Notices ...........................     42
            11.03   Certificate and Opinion as to
                      Conditions Precedent ............     43
            11.04   Statements Required in Cer-
                      tificate or Opinion .............     44
            11.05   Rules by Company and Agents .......     44
            11.06   Legal Holidays ....................     44
            11.07   No Recourse Against Others ........     44
            11.08   Duplicate Originals ...............     45
            11.09   Governing Law .....................     45

            SIGNATURES ................................     46

            Exhibit A:  Form of Registered
                        Security ......................       
            Exhibit B:  Form of Bearer Security .......       
            Notes to Exhibits A and B .................       
            Exhibit C:  Form of Assignment ............       
            Exhibit D:  Form of Conversion Notice .....       


                             -iv-

<PAGE>
     INDENTURE dated as of                 , 1996 between
SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY, a corporation organized
and existing under the laws of the State of New Mexico (herein-
after called the "Company") and              , a          bank-
ing corporation ("Trustee").

     Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the Hold-
ers of the Company's debt securities issued under this
Indenture:


                    ARTICLE 1 -- DEFINITIONS


SECTION 1.01.  Definitions.

     "Affiliate" means any person directly or indirectly con-
trolling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with the Company.

     "Agent" means any Registrar, Transfer Agent or Paying
Agent.

     "Authorized Newspaper" means a newspaper that is:

          (1)  printed in the English language or in an offi-
          cial language of the country of publication;

          (2)  customarily published on each business day in
          the place of publication; and

          (3)  of general circulation in the relevant place or
          in the financial community of such place.

Whenever successive publications in an Authorized Newspaper are
required, they may be made on the same or different business
days and in the same or different Authorized Newspapers.

     "Bearer Security" means a Security payable to bearer.

     "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company or any
authorized committee of the Board.

     "Bond Resolution" means a resolution adopted by the Board
or by a committee of Officers or an Officer pursuant to Board
delegation authorizing a series of Securities.

     "Capital Stock" means any and all shares, interests, par-
ticipations or other equivalents (however designated) of capi-
tal stock of any person and all warrants or options to acquire
such capital stock.  

<PAGE>
     "Common Stock" means the common stock, per value $1.00 per
share, of the Company.

     "Company" means the party named as such above until a suc-
cessor replaces it and thereafter means the successor.

     "Conversion Rate" means such number or amount of shares of
Common Stock or other equity or debt securities for which
$1,000 aggregate principal amount of Securities of any series
is convertible, initially as stated in the Bond Resolution
authorizing the series and as adjusted pursuant to the terms of
this Indenture and the Bond Resolution.

     "coupon" means an interest coupon for a Bearer Security.

     "Default" means any event which is, or after notice or
passage of time would be, an Event of Default.

     "Discounted Security" means a Security where the amount of
principal due upon acceleration is less than the stated princi-
pal amount.

     "Holder" or "Securityholder" means the person in whose
name a Registered Security is registered and the bearer of a
Bearer Security or coupon.

     "Indenture" means this Indenture and any Bond Resolution
as amended from time to time.

     "Officer" means the Chairman, any Vice-Chairman, the Pres-
ident, any Executive or Senior Vice President, any Vice-Presi-
dent, the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary
or any Assistant Secretary of the Company.

     "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by two
Officers of the Company.

     "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion from legal
counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee.  The counsel may be
an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Trustee.

     "principal" of a debt security means the principal of the
security plus the premium, if and when applicable, on the
security.

     "Registered Security" means a Security registered as to
principal and interest by the Registrar.

     "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                              -2-

<PAGE>
     "Securities" means the debt securities issued under this
Indenture.

     "series" means a series of Securities or the Securities of
the series.

     "TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S. Code
Section 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date shown above.

     "Trading Day" means each day on which the securities
exchange or quotation system which is used to determine the
Market Price is open for trading or quotation.

     "Trustee" means the party named as such above until a suc-
cessor replaces it and thereafter means the successor.

     "Trust Officer" means the Chairman of the Board, the Pres-
ident or any other officer or assistant officer of the Trustee
assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate trust
matters.

     "United States" means the United States of America, its
territories and possessions and other areas subject to its
jurisdiction.


SECTION 1.02.  Other Definitions.

            Term                             Defined in Section

     "Bankruptcy Law"                              6.01
     "Conditional Redemption"                      3.04
     "Conversion Agent"                            2.03
     "Conversion Date"                             9.02
     "Conversion Notice"                           9.02
     "Conversion Right"                            9.01
     "Custodian"                                   6.01
     "Event of Default"                            6.01
     "Legal Holiday"                              11.06
     "Lien"                                        4.01
     "Market Price"                                9.07
     "Paying Agent"                                2.03
     "Price Per Share"                             9.09
     "Registrar"                                   2.03
     "Subsidiary"                                  4.01
     "Transfer Agent"                              2.03
     "Treasury Regulations"                        2.04
     "U.S. Government Obligations"                 8.02
     "Voting Stock"                                4.01
     "Yield to Maturity"                           4.01

                              -3-

<PAGE>
SECTION 1.03.  Rules of Construction.

     Unless the context otherwise requires:

          (1)  a term has the meaning assigned to it;

          (2)  an accounting term not otherwise defined has the
               meaning assigned to it in accordance with gener-
               ally accepted accounting principles in the
               United States;

          (3)  generally accepted accounting principles are
               those applicable from time to time;

          (4)  all terms used in this Indenture that are
               defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to
               another statute or defined by SEC rule under the
               TIA have the meanings assigned to them by such
               definitions;

          (5)  "or" is not exclusive; and

          (6)  words in the singular include the plural, and in
               the plural include the singular.


                     ARTICLE 2 -- THE SECURITIES


SECTION 2.01.  Issuable in Series.

     The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be
issued under this Indenture is unlimited.  The Securities may
be issued from time to time in one or more series.  Each series
shall be created by a Bond Resolution or a supplemental inden-
ture that establishes the terms of the series, which may
include the following:

          (1)  the title of the series;

          (2)  the aggregate principal amount of the series;

          (3)  the interest rate, if any, or method of calcula-
               ting the interest rate;

          (4)  the date from which interest will accrue;

          (5)  the record dates for interest payable on Regis-
               tered Securities;


                              -4-

<PAGE>
          (6)  the dates when principal and interest are
               payable;

          (7)  the manner of paying principal and interest;

          (8)  the places where principal and interest are
               payable;

          (9)  the Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent;

          (10) the terms of any mandatory or optional redemp-
               tion by the Company including any sinking fund;

          (11) the terms of any redemption at the option of
               Holders;

          (12) the denominations in which Securities are
               issuable;

          (13) whether Securities will be issuable as Regis-
               tered Securities or Bearer Securities;

          (14) whether and upon what terms Registered Securi-
               ties and Bearer Securities may be exchanged;

          (15) whether any Securities will be represented by a
               Security in global form;

          (16) the terms of any global Security;

          (17) the terms of any tax indemnity;

          (18) the currencies (including any composite cur-
               rency) in which principal or interest may be
               paid;

          (19) if payments of principal or interest may be made
               in a currency other than that in which Securi-
               ties are denominated, the manner for determining
               such payments;

          (20) if amounts of principal or interest may be
               determined by reference to an index, formula or
               other method, the manner for determining such
               amounts;

          (21) provisions for electronic issuance of Securities
               or for Securities in uncertificated form;



                              -5-

<PAGE>
          (22) the portion of principal payable upon accelera-
               tion of a Discounted Security;

          (23) any Events of Default or covenants in addition
               to or in lieu of those set forth in this
               Indenture;

          (24) whether and upon what terms Securities may be
               defeased;

          (25) the forms of the Securities or any coupon, which
               may be in the form of Exhibit A or B;

          (26) any terms that may be required by or advisable
               under U.S. laws;

          (27) whether and upon what terms the Securities will
               be convertible into or exchangeable for Common
               Stock of the Company or other equity or debt
               securities, which may include the terms provided
               in Article 9; and

          (28) any other terms not inconsistent with this
               Indenture.

     All Securities of one series need not be issued at the
same time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be
reopened for issuances of additional Securities of such series.

     The creation and issuance of a series and the authentica-
tion and delivery thereof are not subject to any conditions
precedent.


SECTION 2.02.  Execution and Authentication.

     Two Officers shall sign the Securities by manual or fac-
simile signature.  The Company's seal shall be reproduced on
the Securities.  An Officer shall sign any coupons by facsimile
signature.

     If an Officer whose signature is on a Security or its cou-
pons no longer holds that office at the time the Security is
authenticated or delivered, the Security and coupons shall
nevertheless be valid.

     A Security and its coupons shall not be valid until the
Security is authenticated by the manual signature of the Regis-
trar.  The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the
Security has been authenticated under this Indenture.

                              -6-

<PAGE>
     Each Registered Security shall be dated the date of its
authentication.  Each Bearer Security shall be dated the date
of its original issuance or as provided in the Bond Resolution.

     Securities may have notations, legends or endorsements
required by law, stock exchange rule, agreement or usage.

     In the event Securities are issued in electronic or other
uncertificated form, such Securities may be validly issued
without the signatures or seal contemplated by this
Section 2.02.


SECTION 2.03.  Bond Agents.

          The Company shall maintain an office or agency where
Securities may be authenticated ("Registrar"), where Securities
may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange
("Transfer Agent"), where Securities may be presented for pay-
ment ("Paying Agent") and where Securities may be presented for
conversion ("Conversion Agent").  Whenever the Company must
issue or deliver Securities pursuant to this Indenture, the
Registrar shall authenticate the Securities at the Company's
request.  The Transfer Agent shall keep a register of the Secu-
rities and of their transfer and exchange.

          The Company may appoint more than one Registrar,
Transfer Agent, Paying Agent or Conversion Agent for a series.
The Company shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of
any Agent not a party to this Indenture.  If the Company does
not appoint or maintain a Registrar, Transfer Agent, Paying
Agent or Conversion Agent for a series, the Trustee shall act
as such.


SECTION 2.04.  Bearer Securities.

     U.S. laws and Treasury Regulations restrict sales or
exchanges of and payments on Bearer Securities.  Therefore,
except as provided below:

          (1)  Bearer Securities will be offered, sold and
               delivered only outside the United States and
               will be delivered only upon presentation of a
               certificate in a form prescribed by the Company
               to comply with U.S. laws and regulations.

          (2)  Bearer Securities will not be issued in exchange
               for Registered Securities.


                              -7-

<PAGE>
          (3)  All payments of principal and interest (includ-
               ing original issue discount) on Bearer Securi-
               ties will be made outside the United States by a
               Paying Agent located outside the United States
               unless the Company determines that:

               (A)  such payments may not be made by such Pay-
                    ing Agent because the payments are illegal
                    or prevented by exchange controls as
                    described in Treasury Regulation
                    Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(v); and

               (B)  making the payments in the United States
                    would not have an adverse tax effect on the
                    Company.

     If there is a change in the relevant provisions of U.S.
laws or Treasury Regulations or the judicial or administrative
interpretation thereof, a restriction set forth in paragraph
(1), (2) or (3) above will not apply to a series if the Company
determines that the relevant provisions no longer apply to the
series or that failure to comply with the relevant provisions
would not have an adverse tax effect on the Company or on
Securityholders or cause the series to be treated as
"registration-required" obligations under U.S. law.

     The Company shall notify the Trustee of any determinations
by the Company under this Section.

     "Treasury Regulations" means regulations of the U.S. Trea-
sury Department under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.


SECTION 2.05.  Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.

     The Company shall require each Paying Agent for a series
other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying
Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of the persons enti-
tled thereto all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment
of principal of or interest on the series, and will notify the
Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such
payment.

     While any such default continues, the Trustee may require
a Paying Agent to pay all money so held by it to the Trustee.
The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all
money held by it to the Trustee.  Upon payment over to the
Trustee, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for
the money.

                              -8-

<PAGE>
     If the Company or an Affiliate acts as Paying Agent for a
series, it shall segregate and hold as a separate trust fund
all money held by it as Paying Agent for the series.

     The Company may elect not to exchange or register the
transfer of any Security for a period of 15 days before a
selection of Securities to be redeemed.

SECTION 2.06.  Securityholder Lists.

     The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is rea-
sonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the
names and addresses of Securityholders.  If the Trustee is not
the Transfer Agent, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee
semiannually and at such other times as the Trustee may request
a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may rea-
sonably require of the names and addresses of Holders of Regis-
tered Securities and Holders of Bearer Securities whose names
are on the list referred to below.

     The Transfer Agent shall keep a list of the names and
addresses of Holders of Bearer Securities who file a request to
be included on such list.  A request will remain in effect for
two years but successive requests may be made.

     Whenever the Company or the Trustee is required to mail a
notice to all Holders of Registered Securities of a series, it
also shall mail the notice to Holders of Bearer Securities of
the series whose names are on the list.

     Whenever the Company is required to publish a notice to
all Holders of Bearer Securities of a series, it also shall
mail the notice to such of them whose names are on the list.


SECTION 2.07.  Transfer and Exchange.

     Where Registered Securities of a series are presented to
the Transfer Agent with a request to register transfer or to
exchange them for an equal principal amount of Registered Secu-
rities of other denominations of the series, the Transfer Agent
shall register the transfer or make the exchange if its
requirements for such transactions are met.

     The Transfer Agent may require a Holder to pay a sum suf-
ficient to cover any taxes imposed on a transfer or exchange.

     If a series provides for Registered and Bearer Securities
and for their exchange, Bearer Securities may be exchanged for
Registered Securities and Registered Securities may be

                              -9-

<PAGE>
exchanged for Bearer Securities as provided in the Securities
or the Bond Resolution if the requirements of the Transfer
Agent for such transactions are met and if Section 2.04 permits
the exchange.


SECTION 2.08.  Replacement Securities.

     If the Holder of a Security or coupon claims that it has
been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, then, in the absence
of notice to the Company or the Trustee that the Security or
coupon has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company
shall issue a replacement Security or coupon if the Company and
the Trustee receive:

          (1)  evidence satisfactory to them of the loss,
               destruction or taking;

          (2)  an indemnity bond satisfactory to them; and

          (3)  payment of a sum sufficient to cover their
               expenses and any taxes for replacing the Secu-
               rity or coupon.

A replacement Security shall have coupons attached correspond-
ing to those, if any, on the replaced Security.

     Every replacement Security or coupon is an additional
obligation of the Company.


SECTION 2.09.  Outstanding Securities.

     The Securities outstanding at any time are all the Securi-
ties authenticated by the Registrar except for those cancelled
by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, and those
described in this Section as not outstanding.

     If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.08, it
ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Company
receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Security
is held by a bona fide purchaser.

     If Securities are considered paid under Section 4.02, they
cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.

     A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the
Company or an Affiliate holds the Security.



                             -10-

<PAGE>
SECTION 2.10.  Discounted Securities.

     In determining whether the Holders of the required princi-
pal amount of Securities have concurred in any direction,
waiver or consent, the principal amount of a Discounted Secu-
rity shall be the amount of principal that would be due as of
the date of such determination if payment of the Security were
accelerated on that date.


SECTION 2.11.  Treasury Securities.

     In determining whether the Holders of the required princi-
pal amount of Securities have concurred in any direction,
waiver or consent, Securities owned by the Company or an Affil-
iate shall be disregarded, except that for the purposes of
determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying
on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Securities which
the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.


SECTION 2.12.  Global Securities.

     If the Bond Resolution so provides, the Company may issue
some or all of the Securities of a series in temporary or per-
manent global form.  A global Security may be in registered
form, in bearer form with or without coupons or in
uncertificated form.  A global Security shall represent that
amount of Securities of a series as specified in the global
Security or as endorsed thereon from time to time.  At the Com-
pany's request, the Registrar shall endorse a global Security
to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the Secu-
rities represented thereby.

     The Company may issue a global Security only to a deposi-
tory designated by the Company.  A depository may transfer a
global Security only as a whole to its nominee or to a succes-
sor depository.

     The Bond Resolution may establish, among other things, the
manner of paying principal and interest on a global Security
and whether and upon what terms a beneficial owner of an inter-
est in a global Security may exchange such interest for defini-
tive Securities.

     The Company, an Affiliate, the Trustee and any Agent shall
not be responsible for any acts or omissions of a depository,
for any depository records of beneficial ownership interests or
for any transactions between the depository and beneficial
owners.

                             -11-

<PAGE>
SECTION 2.13.  Temporary Securities.

     Until definitive Securities of a series are ready for
delivery, the Company may use temporary Securities.  Temporary
Securities shall be substantially in the form of definitive
Securities but may have variations that the Company considers
appropriate for temporary Securities.  Temporary Securities may
be in global form.  Temporary Bearer Securities may have one or
more coupons or no coupons.  Without unreasonable delay, the
Company shall deliver definitive Securities in exchange for
temporary Securities.


SECTION 2.14.  Cancellation.

     The Company at any time may deliver Securities to the Reg-
istrar for cancellation.  The Transfer Agent and the Paying
Agent shall forward to the Registrar any Securities and coupons
surrendered to them for payment, exchange or registration of
transfer.  The Registrar shall cancel all Securities or coupons
surrendered for payment, registration of transfer, exchange or
cancellation as follows:  the Registrar will cancel all Regis-
tered Securities and matured coupons.  The Registrar also will
cancel all Bearer Securities and unmatured coupons unless the
Company requests the Registrar to hold the same for redelivery.
Any Bearer Securities so held shall be considered delivered for
cancellation under Section 2.09.  The Registrar shall destroy
cancelled Securities and coupons unless the Company otherwise
directs.

     Unless the Bond Resolution otherwise provides, the Company
may not issue new Securities to replace Securities that the
Company has paid or that the Company has delivered to the Reg-
istrar for cancellation.


SECTION 2.15.  Defaulted Interest

     If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on Regis-
tered Securities, it need not pay the defaulted interest to
Holders on the regular record date.  The Company may fix a spe-
cial record date for determining Holders entitled to receive
defaulted interest or the Company may pay defaulted interest in
any other lawful manner.






                             -12-

<PAGE>
                    ARTICLE 3 -- REDEMPTION


SECTION 3.01.  Notices to Trustee.

     Securities of a series that are redeemable before maturity
shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and, unless
the Bond Resolution otherwise provides, in accordance with this
Article.

     In the case of a redemption by the Company, the Company
shall notify the Trustee of the redemption date and the princi-
pal amount of Securities to be redeemed.  The Company shall
notify the Trustee at least 35 days before the redemption date
unless a shorter notice is satisfactory to the Trustee.

     If the Company is required to redeem Securities, it may
reduce the principal amount of Securities required to be
redeemed to the extent it is permitted a credit by the terms of
the Securities and it notifies the Trustee of the amount of the
credit and the basis for it.  If the reduction is based on a
credit for acquired or redeemed Securities that the Company has
not previously delivered to the Registrar for cancellation, the
Company shall deliver the Securities at the same time as the
notice.


SECTION 3.02.  Selection of Securities to Be Redeemed.

     If less than all the Securities of a series are to be
redeemed, the Trustee shall select the Securities to be
redeemed by a method the Trustee considers fair and appropri-
ate.  The Trustee shall make the selection from Securities of
the series outstanding not previously called for redemption.
The Trustee may select for redemption portions of the principal
of Securities having denominations larger than the minimum
denomination for the series.  Securities and portions thereof
selected for redemption shall be in amounts equal to the mini-
mum denomination for the series or an integral multiple
thereof.  Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Securities
called for redemption also apply to portions of Securities
called for redemption.


SECTION 3.03.  Notice of Redemption.

     At least 30 days before a redemption date, the Company
shall mail a notice of redemption by first-class mail to each
Holder of Registered Securities whose Securities are to be
redeemed.

                             -13-

<PAGE>
     If Bearer Securities are to be redeemed, the Company shall
publish a notice of redemption in an Authorized Newspaper as
provided in the Securities.

     A notice shall identify the Securities of the series to be
redeemed and shall state:

          (1)  the redemption date;

          (2)  the redemption price;

          (3)  the name and address of the Paying Agent;

          (4)  that Securities called for redemption, together
               with all coupons, if any, maturing after the
               redemption date, must be surrendered to the Pay-
               ing Agent to collect the redemption price;

          (5)  that interest on Securities called for redemp-
               tion ceases to accrue on and after the redemp-
               tion date; and

          (6)  whether the redemption by the Company is manda-
               tory or optional; and

          (7)  whether the redemption is conditional as pro-
               vided in Section 3.04, the terms of the condi-
               tion, and that, if the condition is not satis-
               fied or is not waived by the Company, the Secu-
               rities will not be redeemed and such a failure
               to redeem will not constitute an Event of
               Default.

     A redemption notice given by publication need not identify
Registered Securities to be redeemed.

     At the Company's request, the Trustee shall give the
notice of redemption in the Company's name and at its expense.


SECTION 3.04.  Effect of Notice of Redemption.

     Except as provided below, once notice of redemption is
given, Securities called for redemption become due and payable
on the redemption date at the redemption price stated in the
notice.

     A notice of redemption may provide that it is subject to
the occurrence of any event before the date fixed for such
redemption as described in such notice ("Conditional

                             -14-

<PAGE>
Redemption") and such notice of Conditional Redemption shall be
of no effect unless all such conditions to the redemption have
occurred before such date or have been waived by the Company.


SECTION 3.05.  Payment of Redemption Price.

     On or before the redemption date, the Company shall
deposit with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the
redemption price of and accrued interest on all Securities to
be redeemed on that date.

     When the Holder of a Security surrenders it for redemption
in accordance with the redemption notice, the Company shall pay
to the Holder on the redemption date the redemption price and
accrued interest to such date, except that:

          (1)  the Company will pay any such interest (except
               defaulted interest) to Holders on the record
               date of Registered Securities if the redemption
               date occurs on an interest payment date; and

          (2)  the Company will pay any such interest to Hold-
               ers of coupons that mature on or before the
               redemption date upon surrender of such coupons
               to the Paying Agent.

     Coupons maturing after the redemption date on a called
Security are void absent a payment default on that date.
Nevertheless, if a Holder surrenders for redemption a Bearer
Security missing any such coupons, the Company may deduct the
face amount of such coupons from the redemption price.  If
thereafter the Holder surrenders to the Paying Agent the miss-
ing coupons, the Company will return the amount so deducted.
The Company also may waive surrender of the missing coupons if
it receives an indemnity bond satisfactory to the Company.


SECTION 3.06.  Securities Redeemed in Part.

     Upon surrender of a Security that is redeemed in part, the
Company shall deliver to the Holder a new Security of the same
series equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of
the Security surrendered.






                             -15-

<PAGE>
                     ARTICLE 4 -- COVENANTS


SECTION 4.01.  Certain Definitions.

     "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, security interest or
lien.

     "Subsidiary" means a corporation a majority of whose Vot-
ing Stock is owned by the Company or a Subsidiary.

     "Voting Stock" means capital stock having voting power
under ordinary circumstances to elect directors.

     "Yield to Maturity" means the yield to maturity on a Secu-
rity at the time of its issuance or at the most recent determi-
nation of interest on the Security.


SECTION 4.02.  Payment of Securities.

     The Company shall pay the principal of and interest on a
series in accordance with the terms of the Securities for the
series, any related coupons, and this Indenture.  Principal and
interest on a series shall be considered paid on the date due
if the Paying Agent for the series holds on that date money
sufficient to pay all principal and interest then due on the
series.


SECTION 4.03.  Overdue Interest.

     Unless the Bond Resolution otherwise provides, the Company
shall pay interest on overdue principal of a Security of a
series at the rate (or Yield to Maturity in the case of a Dis-
counted Security) borne by the series; it shall pay interest on
overdue installments of interest at the same rate or Yield to
Maturity to the extent lawful.


SECTION 4.04.  No Lien Created, etc.

     This Indenture and the Securities do not create a Lien,
charge or encumbrance on any property of the Company or any
Subsidiary.





                             -16-

<PAGE>
SECTION 4.05.  Compliance Certificate.

     The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days
after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, a brief cer-
tificate signed by the principal executive officer, principal
financial officer or principal accounting officer of the Com-
pany, as to the signer's knowledge of the Company's compliance
with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture (deter-
mined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of
notice provided herein).

     Any other obligor on the Securities shall also deliver to
the Trustee such a certificate as to its compliance with this
Indenture within 120 days after the end of each of its fiscal
years.

     The certificates need not comply with Section 11.04.


SECTION 4.06.  SEC Reports.

     The Company shall file with the Trustee, within 15 days
after the Company is required to file the same with the SEC,
copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents,
and other reports (or such portions of the foregoing as the SEC
may prescribe) which the Company is required to file with the
SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934.

     Any other obligor on the Securities shall do likewise as
to the above items which it is required to file with the SEC
pursuant to those sections.

                    ARTICLE 5 -- SUCCESSORS


SECTION 5.01.  When Company May Merge, etc.

     Unless the Bond Resolution establishing a Series otherwise
provides, the Company shall not consolidate with or merge into,
or transfer all or substantially all of its assets to, any per-
son unless:

          (1)  the person is organized under the laws of the
               United States or a State thereof;

          (2)  the person assumes by supplemental indenture all
               the obligations of the Company under this Inden-
               ture, the Securities and any coupons;

                             -17-

<PAGE>
          (3)  all required approvals of any regulatory body
               having jurisdiction over the transaction shall
               have been obtained; and

          (4)  immediately after the transaction no Default
               exists.

     The successor shall be substituted for the Company, and
thereafter all obligations of the Company under this Indenture,
the Securities and any coupons shall terminate.


               ARTICLE 6 -- DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES


SECTION 6.01.  Events of Default.

     Unless the Bond Resolution otherwise provides, an "Event
of Default" on a series occurs if:

          (1)  the Company defaults in any payment of interest
               on any Securities of the series when the same
               becomes due and payable and the Default contin-
               ues for a period of 60 days;

          (2)  the Company defaults in the payment of the prin-
               cipal of any Securities of the series when the
               same becomes due and payable at maturity or upon
               redemption, acceleration or otherwise;

          (3)  the Company defaults in the payment or satisfac-
               tion of any sinking fund obligation with respect
               to any Securities of a Series as required by the
               Securities Resolution establishing such series
               and the Default continues for a period of 60
               days;

          (4)  the Company defaults in the performance of any
               of its other agreements applicable to the series
               and the Default continues for 90 days after the
               notice specified below;

          (5)  the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of
               any Bankruptcy Law:

               (A)  commences a voluntary case,

               (B)  consents to the entry of an order for
                    relief against it in an involuntary case,

                             -18-

<PAGE>
               (C)  consents to the appointment of a Custodian
                    for it or for all or substantially all of
                    its property, or

               (D)  makes a general assignment for the benefit
                    of its creditors;

          (6)  a court of competent jurisdiction enters an
               order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

               (A)  is for relief against the Company in an
                    involuntary case,

               (B)  appoints a Custodian for the Company or for
                    all or substantially all of its property,
                    or

               (C)  orders the liquidation of the Company;

               and the order or decree remains unstayed and in 
               effect for 60 days; or

          (7)  there occurs any other Event of Default provided
               for in the series.

     The term "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, U.S. Code or any
similar Federal or State law for the relief of debtors.  The
term "Custodian" means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liqui-
dator or a similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

     A Default under clause (4) is not an Event of Default
until the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal
amount of the series notify the Company of the Default and the
Company does not cure the Default within the time specified
after receipt of the notice.  The notice must specify the
Default, demand that it be remedied and state that the notice
is a "Notice of Default."  If Holders notify the Company of a
Default, they shall notify the Trustee at the same time.

     The failure to redeem any Security subject to a Condi-
tional Redemption is not an Event of Default if any event on
which such redemption is so conditioned does not occur and is
not waived before the redemption date.


SECTION 6.02.  Acceleration.

     If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing on a
series, the Trustee by notice to the Company, or the Holders of
at least 25% in principal amount of the series by notice to the

                             -19-

<PAGE>
Company and the Trustee, may declare the principal of and
accrued interest on all the Securities of the series to be due
and payable immediately.  Discounted Securities may provide
that the amount of principal due upon acceleration is less than
the stated principal amount.

     The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
series by notice to the Trustee may rescind an acceleration and
its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any
judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default on the
series have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal
or interest that has become due solely because of the
acceleration.


SECTION 6.03.  Other Remedies.

     If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing on a
series, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect
principal or interest then due on the series, to enforce the
performance of any provision applicable to the series, or
otherwise to protect the rights of the Trustee and Holders of
the series.

     The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not
possess any of the Securities or coupons or does not produce
any of them in the proceeding.  A delay or omission by the
Trustee or any Securityholder in exercising any right or remedy
accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or
remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event
of Default.  All remedies are cumulative to the extent permit-
ted by law.


SECTION 6.04.  Waiver of Past Defaults.

     Unless the Bond Resolution otherwise provides, the Holders
of a majority in principal amount of a series by notice to the
Trustee may waive an existing Default on the series and its
consequences except:

          (1)  a Default in the payment of the principal of or
               interest on the series, or

          (2)  a Default in respect of a provision that under
               Section 10.02 cannot be amended without the con-
               sent of each Securityholder affected.



                             -20-

<PAGE>
SECTION 6.05.  Control by Majority.

     The Holders of a majority in principal amount of a series
may direct the time, method and place of conducting any pro-
ceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or of exer-
cising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with
respect to the series.  However, the Trustee may refuse to fol-
low any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture.


SECTION 6.06.  Limitation on Suits.

     A Securityholder of a series may pursue a remedy with
respect to the series only if:

          (1)  the Holder gives to the Trustee notice of a con-
               tinuing Event of Default on the series;

          (2)  the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount
               of the series make a request to the Trustee to
               pursue the remedy;

          (3)  such Holder or Holders offer to the Trustee
               indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against
               any loss, liability or expense;

          (4)  the Trustee does not comply with the request
               within 60 days after receipt of the request and
               the offer of indemnity; and

          (5)  during such 60-day period the Holders of a
               majority in principal amount of the series do
               not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent
               with such request.

     A Securityholder may not use this Indenture to prejudice
the rights of another Securityholder or to obtain a preference
or priority over another Securityholder.


SECTION 6.07.  Collection Suit by Trustee.

     If an Event of Default in payment of interest, principal
or sinking fund specified in Section 6.01(1), (2) or (3) occurs
and is continuing on a series, the Trustee may recover judgment
in it own name and as trustee of an express trust against the
Company for the whole amount of principal and interest remain-
ing unpaid on the series.


                             -21-

<PAGE>
SECTION 6.08.  Priorities.

     If the Trustee collects any money for a series pursuant to
this Article, it shall pay out the money in the following
order:

               First:  to the Trustee for amounts due under
          Section 7.06;

               Second:  to Securityholders of the series for
          amounts due and unpaid for principal and interest,
          ratably, without preference or priority of any kind,
          according to the amounts due and payable for princi-
          pal and interest, respectively; and

               Third:  to the Company.

     The Trustee may fix a payment date for any payment to
Securityholders.


                      ARTICLE 7 -- TRUSTEE


SECTION 7.01.  Rights of Trustee.

          (1)  The Trustee may rely on any document believed by
               it to be genuine and to have been signed or pre-
               sented by the proper person.  The Trustee need
               not investigate any fact or matter stated in the
               document.

          (2)  Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting,
               it may require an Officers' Certificate or an
               Opinion of Counsel.  The Trustee shall not be
               liable for any action it takes or omits to take
               in good faith in reliance on the Certificate or
               Opinion.

          (3)  The Trustee may act through agents and shall not
               be responsible for the misconduct or negligence
               of any agent appointed with due care.

          (4)  The Trustee shall not be liable for any action
               it takes or omits to take in good faith in
               accordance with a direction received by it pur-
               suant to Section 6.05.

          (5)  The Trustee may refuse to perform any duty or
               exercise any right or power which it reasonably

                             -22-

<PAGE>
               believes may expose it to any loss, liability or
               expense unless it receives indemnity satisfac-
               tory to it against such loss, liability or
               expense.

          (6)  The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on
               any money received by it except as the Trustee
               may agree with the Company.  Money held in trust
               by the Trustee need not be segregated from other
               funds except to the extent required by law.

          (7)  The Trustee shall have no duty with respect to a
               Default unless it has actual knowledge of the
               Default.

          (8)  The Trustee shall not be liable for any action
               it takes or omits to take in good faith which it
               believes to be authorized and within its powers.

          (9)  Any Agent shall have the same rights and be pro-
               tected to the same extent as if it were Trustee.


SECTION 7.02.  Individual Rights of Trustee.

     The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may
become the owner or pledgee of Securities or coupons and may
otherwise deal with the Company or an Affiliate with the same
rights it would have if it were not Trustee.  Any Agent may do
the same with like rights.


SECTION 7.03.  Trustee's Disclaimer.

     The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or
adequacy of this Indenture or the Securities or any coupons; it
shall not be accountable for the Company's use of the proceeds
from the Securities; it shall not be responsible for any state-
ment in the Securities or any coupons; it shall not be respon-
sible for any overissue; it shall not be responsible for deter-
mining whether the form and terms of any Securities or coupons
were established in conformity with this Indenture; and it
shall not be responsible for determining whether any Securities
were issued in accordance with this Indenture.


SECTION 7.04.  Notice of Defaults.

     If a Default occurs and is continuing on a series and if
it is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail a notice of

                             -23-

<PAGE>
the Default within 90 days after it occurs to Holders of Regis-
tered Securities of the series.  Except in the case of a
Default in payment on a series, the Trustee may withhold the
notice if and so long as a committee of its Trust Officers in
good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the
interest of Holders of the series.  The Trustee shall withhold
notice of a Default described in Section 6.01(4) until at least
90 days after it occurs.


SECTION 7.05.  Reports by Trustee to Holders.

     Any report required by TIA Section 313(a) to be mailed to
Securityholders shall be mailed by the Trustee on or before
July 15 of each year.

     A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to
Securityholders shall be filed with the SEC and each stock
exchange on which any Securities are listed.  The Company shall
notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on a stock
exchange.


SECTION 7.06.  Compensation and Indemnity.

     The Company shall pay to the Trustee from time to time
reasonable compensation for its services.  The Trustee's com-
pensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a
trustee of an express trust.  The Company shall reimburse the
Trustee upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by it.  Such expenses shall include the reasonable
compensation and expenses of the Trustee's agents and counsel.

     The Company shall indemnify the Trustee against any loss
or liability incurred by it.  The Trustee shall notify the Com-
pany promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity.
The Company shall defend the claim and the Trustee shall coop-
erate in the defense.  The Trustee may have separate counsel
and the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of
such counsel.  The Company need not pay for any settlement made
without its consent.

     The Company need not reimburse any expense or indemnify
against any loss or liability incurred by the Trustee through
negligence or bad faith.

     To secure the Company's payment obligations in this Sec-
tion, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities and
any coupons on all money or property held or collected by the

                             -24-

<PAGE>
Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal or interest
on particular securities.

     When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after
an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(5) or (6) occurs,
such expenses and the compensation for such services are
intended to constitute expenses of administration under any
Bankruptcy Law.

     The provisions of the Section shall survive any termina-
tion or discharge of this Indenture (including without limita-
tion any termination under any Bankruptcy Law) and the resigna-
tion or removal of the Trustee.

SECTION 7.07.  Replacement of Trustee.

     A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of
a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the suc-
cessor Trustee's acceptance of appointment as provided in this
Section.

     The Trustee may resign by so notifying the Company.  The
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities may
remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and may appoint
a successor Trustee.

     The Company may remove the Trustee if:

          (1)  the Trustee fails to comply with TIA Section
               310(a) or Section 310(b) or with Section 7.09;

          (2)  the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an
               insolvent;

          (3)  a Custodian or other public officer takes charge
               of the Trustee or its property;

          (4)  the Trustee becomes incapable of acting; or

          (5)  an event of the kind described in Section
               6.01(5) or (6) occurs with respect to the
               Trustee.

     The Company also may remove the Trustee with or without
cause if the Company so notifies the Trustee six months in
advance and if no Default occurs during the six-month period.

     If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy
exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Company
shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.

                             -25-

<PAGE>
     If a successor Trustee does not take office within 30 days
after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring
Trustee, the Company or the Holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Securities may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

     If the Trustee fails to comply with TIA Section 310(a) or
Section 310(b) or with Section 7.09, any Securityholder may
petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of
the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

     A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of
its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company.
Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee
shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have
all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this
Indenture.  The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its
succession to Holders of Registered Securities.  The retiring
Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as
Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided
for in Section 7.06.


SECTION 7.08.  Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.

     If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or
transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust busi-
ness to, another corporation, the successor corporation without
any further act shall be the successor Trustee.


SECTION 7.09.  Trustee's Capital and Surplus.

     The Trustee at all times shall have a combined capital and
surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent
published report of condition.


              ARTICLE 8 -- DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE


SECTION 8.01.  Defeasance.

     Securities of a series may be defeased in accordance with
their terms and, unless the Bond Resolution otherwise provides,
in accordance with this Article.

     The Company at any time may terminate as to a series all
of its obligations under this Indenture, the Securities of the
series and any related coupons ("legal defeasance option").

                             -26-

<PAGE>
The Company at any time may terminate as to a series its obli-
gations, if any, under any restrictive covenants which may be
applicable to a particular series ("covenant defeasance
option").  However, in the case of the legal defeasance option,
the Company's obligations in Sections 2.03, 2.04, 2.05, 2.06,
2.07, 2.08, 7.06, 7.07 and 8.04 shall survive until the Securi-
ties of the series are no longer outstanding; thereafter the
Company's obligations in Section 7.06 shall survive.

     The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option not-
withstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance
option.  If the Company exercises its legal defeasance option,
a series may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default.
If the Company exercises it covenant defeasance option, a
series may not be accelerated by reference to any restrictive
covenants which may be applicable to a particular series so
defeased under the terms of the series.

     The Trustee upon request shall acknowledge in writing the
discharge of those obligations that the Company terminates.


SECTION 8.02.  Conditions to Defeasance.

     The Company may exercise as to a series its legal defea-
sance option or its covenant defeasance option if:

          (1)  the Company irrevocably deposits in trust with
               the Trustee or another trustee money or U.S.
               Government Obligations;

          (2)  the Company delivers to the Trustee a certifi-
               cate from a nationally recognized firm of inde-
               pendent accountants expressing their opinion
               that the payments of principal and interest when
               due on the deposited U.S. Government Obligations
               without reinvestment plus any deposited money
               without investment will provide cash at such
               times and in such amounts as will be sufficient
               to pay principal and interest when due on all
               the Securities of the series to maturity or
               redemption, as the case may be;

          (3)  immediately after the deposit no Default exists;

          (4)  the deposit does not constitute a default under
               any other agreement binding on the Company;




                             -27-

<PAGE>
          (5)  the deposit does not cause the Trustee to have a
               conflicting interest under TIA Section 310(a) or
               Section 310(b) as to another series;

          (6)  the Company delivers to the Trustee an Opinion
               of Counsel to the effect that Holders of the
               series will not recognize income, gain or loss
               for Federal income tax purposes as a result of
               the defeasance; and

          (7)  91 days pass after the deposit is made and dur-
               ing the 91-day period no Default specified in
               Section 6.01(5) or (6) occurs that is continuing
               at the end of the period.

     Before or after a deposit the Company may make arrange-
ments satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of Securi-
ties at a future date in accordance with Article 3.

     "U.S. Government Obligations" means direct obligations of
(i) the United States or (ii) an agency or instrumentality of
the United States, the payment of which is unconditionally
guaranteed by the United States, which, in either case, have
the full faith and credit of the United States pledged for pay-
ment and which are not callable at the issuer's option, or cer-
tificates representing an ownership interest in such
obligations.


SECTION 8.03.  Application of Trust Money.

     The Trustee shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government
Obligations deposited with it pursuant to Section 8.02.  It
shall apply the deposited money and the money from U.S. Govern-
ment Obligations through the Paying Agent and in accordance
with this Indenture to the payment of principal and interest on
Securities of the defeased series.


SECTION 8.04.  Repayment to Company.

     The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly turn over
to the Company upon request any excess money or securities held
by them at any time.

     The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Company
upon request any money held by them for the payment of princi-
pal or interest that remains unclaimed for two years.  After
payment to the Company, Securityholders entitled to the money
must look to the Company for payment as unsecured general

                             -28-

<PAGE>
creditors unless an abandoned property law designates another
person.

                    ARTICLE 9 -- CONVERSION


SECTION 9.01.  Conversion Privilege.

          If the Bond Resolution establishing the terms of a
series of securities so provides, Securities of any series may
be convertible into or for Common Stock or other equity or debt
securities (a "Conversion Right").  The Bond Resolution may
establish, among other things, the Conversion Rate, provisions
for adjustments to the Conversion Rate and limitations upon
exercise of the Conversion Right.  

          Unless the Bond Resolution otherwise provides, a
Holder may convert a portion of a Security if the portion is
$1,000 or an integral multiples thereof.  Provisions of this
Indenture that apply to the conversion of the aggregate princi-
pal amount of a Security also apply to conversion of a portion
of it.


SECTION 9.02.  Conversion Procedure.

          To convert a Security a Holder must satisfy all
requirements in the Securities or the Bond Resolution and
(i) complete and manually sign the conversion notice (the "Con-
version Notice") provided for in the Bond Resolution or the
Security (or complete and manually sign a facsimile thereof)
and deliver such notice to the Conversion Agent or any other
office or agency maintained for such purpose, (ii) surrender
the Security to the Conversion Agent or at such other office or
agency by physical delivery, (iii) if required, furnish appro-
priate endorsements and transfer documents, and (iv) if
required, pay all transfer or similar taxes.  The date on which
such notice shall have been received by and the Security shall
have been so surrendered to the Conversion Agent is the "Con-
version Date."  Such Conversion Notice shall be irrevocable and
may not be withdrawn by a Holder for any reason.

          The Company will complete settlement of any conver-
sion of Securities not later than the fifth business day fol-
lowing the Conversion Date in respect of the cash portion
elected to be delivered in lieu of the securities into which
the Security is convertible and not later than the seventh
business day following the Conversion Date in respect of the
portion to be settled in such securities.


                             -29-

<PAGE>
          If any Security is converted between the record date
for the payment of interest and the next succeeding interest
payment date, such Security must be accompanied by funds equal
to the interest payable on such succeeding interest payment
date on the principal amount so converted (unless such Security
shall have been called for redemption during such period, in
which case no such payment shall be required).  A Security con-
verted on an interest payment date need not be accompanied by
any payment, and the interest on the principal amount of the
Security being converted will be paid on such interest payment
date to the registered holder of such Security on the immedi-
ately preceding record date.  Subject to the aforesaid right of
the registered holder to receive interest, no payment or
adjustment will be made on conversion for interest accrued on
the converted Security or for interest, dividends or other dis-
tributions payable on any security issued on conversion.

          If a Holder converts more than one Security at the
same time, the securities into which the Security is convert-
ible issuable or cash payable upon the conversion shall be
based on the total principal amount of the Securities
converted.

          Upon surrender of a Security that is converted in
part the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder a new Secu-
rity equal in principal amount to the unconverted portion of
the Security surrendered; except that if a Global Security is
so surrendered the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to
the Depositary a new Global Security in a denomination equal to
and in exchange for the unconverted portion of the principal of
the Global Security so surrendered.

          If the last day on which a Security may be converted
is a Legal Holiday in a place where a Conversion Agent is
located, the Security may be surrendered to that Conversion
Agent on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday.


SECTION 9.03.  Taxes on Conversion.

          If a Holder of a Security exercises a Conversion
Right, the Company shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar
issue or transfer tax due on the issue of the securities into
which the Security is convertible upon the conversion.  How-
ever, the Holder shall pay any such tax which is due because
securities or other property are issued in a name other than
the Holder's name.  Nothing herein shall preclude any income
tax or other withholding required by law or regulations.



                             -30-

<PAGE>
SECTION 9.04.  Company Determination Final.

          Any determination that the Board of Directors makes
pursuant to this Article 9 or consistent with terms provided
for in any Bond Resolution is conclusive, absent manifest
error.


SECTION 9.05.  Trustee's and Conversion Agent's Disclaimer.

          The Trustee (and each Conversion Agent other than the
Company) has no duty to determine when or if an adjustment
under this Article 9 or any Bond Resolution should be made, how
it should be made or calculated or what it should be.  The
Trustee (and each Conversion Agent other than the Company)
makes no representation as to the validity or value of any
securities issued upon conversion of Securities.  The Trustee
(and each Conversion Agent other than the Company) shall not be
responsible for the Company's failure to comply with this
Article 9 or any provision of a Bond Resolution relating to a
Conversion Right.


SECTION 9.06.  Company to Provide Conversion Securities.

          The Company shall reserve out of its authorized but
unissued Common Stock or its Common Stock held in treasury suf-
ficient shares to permit the conversion of all of the Securi-
ties convertible into Common Stock.  The Company shall arrange
and make available for issuance upon conversion the full amount
of any other securities into which the Securities are convert-
ible to permit such conversion of the Securities.

          All shares of Common Stock or other equity securities
of any person which may be issued upon conversion of the Secu-
rities shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

          The Company will comply with all securities laws reg-
ulating the offer and delivery of securities upon conversion of
Securities.


SECTION 9.07.  Cash Settlement Option.

          If the Bond Resolution so provides, the Company may
elect to satisfy, in whole or in part, a Conversion Right of
Securities convertible into Common Stock or other securities of
any person by the delivery of cash.  The amount of cash to be
delivered shall be equal to the Market Price on the last Trad-
ing Day preceding the applicable Conversion Date of a share of

                             -31-

<PAGE>
Common Stock or other securities of any person into which the
Securities are convertible multiplied by the number of shares
of Common Stock or the number of shares or principal amount of
other securities into which the Securities are convertible,
respectively, in respect of which the Company elects to deliver
cash.  If the Company elects to satisfy, in whole or in part, a
Conversion Right by the delivery of shares of Common Stock or
other securities, no fractional shares or portion of other
securities will be delivered.  Instead, the Company will pay
cash based on the Market Price for such fractional share of
Common Stock or portion of other securities.

          The "Market Price" of the Common Stock into which
Securities or other equity securities into which the Securities
are convertible may be converted pursuant to a Bond Resolution
or this Article 9 on any Trading Day means the weighted average
per share sale price for all sales of the Common Stock or other
equity securities on such Trading Day (or, if the information
necessary to calculate such weighted average per share sale
price is not reported, the average of the high and low sale
prices, or if no sales are reported, the average of the bid and
ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of
the average bid and average ask prices), as reported in the
composite transactions for the New York Stock Exchange, or if
the Common Stock or other equity securities into which the
Securities are convertible is not listed or admitted to trading
on such exchange, as reported in the composite transactions for
the principal national or regional United States securities
exchange on which the Common Stock or other equity securities
into which the Securities are convertible is listed or admitted
to trading or, if the Common Stock or other equity securities
into which the Securities are convertible is not listed or
admitted to trading on a United States national or regional
securities exchange, as reported by NASDAQ or by the National
Quotation Bureau Incorporated or if not so reported as deter-
mined in the manner set forth in the appropriate Bond Resolu-
tion.  In the absence of such quotations, the Company shall be
entitled to determine the Market Price on the basis of such
quotations as it considers appropriate.

     The "Market Price" of any debt security into which Securi-
ties are convertible shall be determined as set forth in the
applicable Bond Resolution.








                             -32-

<PAGE>
SECTION 9.08.  Adjustment in Conversion Rate
               for Change in Capital Stock.

          If the Securities are convertible into Common Stock
and the Company:

          (1)  pays a dividend or makes a distribution on its
     Common Stock in shares of its Common Stock;

          (2)  subdivides its outstanding shares of Common
     Stock into a greater number of shares;

          (3)  combines its outstanding shares of Common Stock
     into a smaller number of shares;

          (4)  pays a dividend or makes a distribution on its
     Common Stock in shares of its Capital Stock other than
     Common Stock; or

          (5)  issues by reclassification of its Common Stock
     any shares of its Capital Stock,

then the conversion privilege and the Conversion Rate in effect
immediately prior to such action shall be adjusted so that the
Holder of a Security thereafter converted may receive the num-
ber of shares of Capital Stock of the Company (or, at the Com-
pany's option, an equivalent amount in cash) which he would
have owned immediately following such action if he had con-
verted the Security immediately prior to such action.

          The adjustment shall become effective immediately
after the record date in the case of a dividend or distribution
and immediately after the effective date in the case of a sub-
division, combination or reclassification.

          If the Security into which the Securities are con-
vertible are other than Common Stock of the Company, the con-
version rate sall be subject to adjustment as set forth in the
applicable Bond Resolution.

          If after an adjustment a Holder of a Security may,
upon conversion, receive shares of two or more classes of Capi-
tal Stock of the Company or other securities, the Board of
Directors of the Company shall determine allocation of the
adjusted Conversion Rate between or among the classes of Capi-
tal Stock or other securities.  After such allocation, the con-
version privilege and the Conversion Rate of each class of Cap-
ital Stock or other securities shall thereafter be subject to
adjustment on terms comparable to those applicable to Common
Stock in this Article or in such Bond Resolution.

                             -33-

<PAGE>
SECTION 9.09.  Adjustment in Conversion Rate for
               Common Stock Issued Below Market Price.
     
          If the Securities are convertible with Common Stock,
and the Company issues to all holders of Common Stock rights,
options or warrants to subscribe for or purchase shares of Com-
mon Stock, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable
for shares of Common Stock, or rights, options or warrants to
subscribe for or purchase such convertible or exchangeable
securities at a Price Per Share (as defined and determined
according to the formula given below) lower than the current
Market Price on the date of such issuance, the Conversion Rate
shall be adjusted in accordance with the following formula:

                    AC = CC x O + N
                              -----
                              O + R
                                  - 
                                  M

where:

AC = the adjusted Conversion Rate.

CC = the then current Conversion Rate.

O  = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immedi-
     ately prior to such issuance (which number shall include
     shares owned or held by or for the account of the
     Company).

N  = the "Number of Shares," which (i) in the case of rights,
     options or warrants to subscribe for or purchase shares of
     Common Stock or of securities convertible into or
     exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, is the maximum
     number of shares of Common Stock initially issuable upon
     exercise, conversion or exchange thereof; and (ii) in the
     case of rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or
     purchase convertible or exchangeable securities, is the
     maximum number of shares of Common Stock initially issu-
     able upon the conversion or exchange of the convertible or
     exchangeable securities issuable upon the exercise of such
     rights, options or warrants.

R  = the proceeds received or receivable by the Company, which
     (i) in the case of rights, options or warrants to sub-
     scribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock or of secu-
     rities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Com-
     mon Stock, is the aggregate amount received or receivable
     by the Company in consideration for the sale and issuance
     of such rights, options, warrants or convertible or
     exchangeable securities, plus the minimum aggregate amount

                             -34-

<PAGE>
     of additional consideration, other than the convertible or
     exchangeable securities, payable to the Company upon exer-
     cise, conversion or exchange thereof; and (ii) in the case
     of rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or pur-
     chase convertible or exchangeable securities, is the
     aggregate amount received or receivable by the Company in
     consideration for the sale and issuance of such rights,
     options or warrants, plus the minimum aggregate considera-
     tion payable to the Company upon the exercise thereof,
     plus the minimum aggregate amount of additional considera-
     tion, other than the convertible or exchangeable securi-
     ties, payable upon the conversion or exchange of the con-
     vertible or exchangeable securities; provided, that in
     each case the proceeds received or receivable by the Com-
     pany shall be deemed to be the amount of gross cash pro-
     ceeds without deducting therefrom any compensation paid or
     discount allowed in the sale, underwriting or purchase
     thereof by underwriters or dealers or others performing
     similar services or any expenses incurred in connection
     therewith.

M  = the current Market Price per share of Common Stock on the
     date of issue of the rights, options or warrants to sub-
     scribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock or the secu-
     rities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Com-
     mon Stock or the rights, options or warrants to subscribe
     for or purchase convertible or exchangeable securities.

     "Price Per Share" shall be defined and determined accord-
ing to the following formula:

          P =  R 
               -
               N

where:

P  = Price Per Share

and R and N have the meanings assigned above.

          If the Company shall issue rights, options, warrants
or convertible or exchangeable securities with respect to its
Common Stock for a consideration consisting, in whole or in
part, of property other than cash the amount of such considera-
tion shall be determined in good faith by the Board of Direc-
tors whose determination shall be conclusive and evidenced by a
resolution of the Board of Directors filed with the Trustee.

          The adjustment shall be made successively whenever
any such additional rights, options, warrants or convertible or

                             -35-

<PAGE>
exchangeable securities with respect to its Common Stock are
issued, and shall become effective immediately after the date
of issue of such shares, rights, options, warrants or convert-
ible or exchangeable securities.

          To the extent that such rights, options or warrants
to acquire Common Stock expire unexercised or to the extent any
convertible or exchangeable securities with respect to its Com-
mon Stock are redeemed by the Company or otherwise cease to be
convertible or exchangeable into shares of Common Stock, the
Conversion Rate shall be readjusted to the Conversion Rate
which would then be in effect had the adjustment made upon the
date of issuance of such rights, options, warrants or convert-
ible or exchangeable securities been made upon the basis of the
issuance of rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or
purchase only the number of shares of Common Stock as to which
such rights, options or warrants were actually exercised and
the number of shares of Common Stock that were actually issued
upon the conversion or exchange of the convertible or exchange-
able securities.

          If the Securities are convertible into securities
other than the Common Stock, any adjustment in the Conversion
Rate required for the issuance or sale of the securities into
which the Securities are convertible shall be made as set forth
in the Bond Resolution.


SECTION 9.10.  Adjustment for Other Distributions.

          If the Securities are initially convertible into Com-
mon Stock and the Company distributes to all holders of its
Common Stock any of its assets or debt securities or any rights
or warrants to purchase assets or debt securities of the Com-
pany, the Conversion Rate shall be adjusted in accordance with
the following formula:

                    AC = CC x   (O x M)
                              -----------
                              (O x M) - F

where:

AC = the adjusted Conversion Rate.

CC = the then current Conversion Rate.

O  = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the
     record date mentioned below (which number shall include
     shares owned or held by or for the account of the
     Company).

                             -36-

<PAGE>
M  = the current Market Price per share of Common Stock on the
     record date mentioned below.

F  = the fair market value on the record date of the assets,
     securities, rights or warrants distributed.  The Board of
     Directors of the Company shall determine the fair market
     value.

          The adjustment shall become effective immediately
after the record date for the determination of stockholders
entitled to receive the distribution.

          If the securities into which the Securities are con-
vertible are other than Common Stock, any adjustments for such
other distribution shall be made as set forth in the Bond
Resolution.

          This Section does not apply to cash dividends or dis-
tributions or to reclassifications or distributions referred to
in Section 9.08.  Also, this Section does not apply to shares
issued below Market Price referred to in Section 9.09.


SECTION 9.11.  Voluntary Adjustment.

          The Company at any time may increase the Conversion
Rate, temporarily or otherwise, by any amount but in no event
shall such Conversion Rate result in the issuance of Capital
Stock at a price less than the par value of such Capital Stock
at the time such increase is made.


SECTION 9.12.  When Adjustment May Be Deferred.

          No adjustment in the Conversion Rate need be made
unless the adjustment would require a change of at least 1% in
the Conversion Rate.  Any adjustments that are not made due to
the immediately preceding sentence shall be carried forward and
taken into account in any subsequent adjustment; provided, that
any adjustment carried forward shall be deferred not in excess
of three years, whereupon any adjustment to the Conversion Rate
will be effected.

          All calculations under this Article 9 shall be made
to the nearest cent or to the nearest 1/100th of a share, as
the case may be.





                             -37-

<PAGE>
SECTION 9.13.  When No Adjustment Required.

          Except as set forth in Section 9.09, no adjustment in
the Conversion Rate shall be made because the Company issues,
in exchange for cash, property or services, shares of Common
Stock, or any securities convertible into shares of Common
Stock, or securities carrying the right to purchase shares of
Common Stock or such convertible securities.

          No adjustment in the Conversion Rate need be made for
rights to purchase or the sale of Common Stock pursuant to a
Company plan providing for reinvestment of dividends or
interest.

          No adjustment in the Conversion Rate need be made for
a change in the par value of the Common Stock or other securi-
ties having a par value.

          No adjustment need be made for a transaction referred
to in Section 9.08, 9.09 or 9.10 if Securityholders are to par-
ticipate in the transaction on a basis and with notice that the
Board of Directors determines to be fair and appropriate in
light of the basis and notice on which holders of Common Stock
or other securities into which the Securities are convertible
participate in the transaction.


SECTION 9.14.  Notice of Adjustment.

          Whenever the Conversion Rate is adjusted, the Company
shall promptly mail to Holders of Securities affected a notice
of the adjustment.  The Company shall file with the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate or a certificate from the Company's inde-
pendent public accountants stating the facts requiring the
adjustment and the manner of computing it.  The certificate
shall be conclusive evidence that the adjustment is correct,
absent manifest error.


SECTION 9.15.  Notice of Certain Transactions.

          If:

          (1)  the Company proposes to take any action that
     would require an adjustment in the Conversion Rate,

          (2)  the Company proposes to take any action that
     would require a supplemental indenture pursuant to
     Section 9.16, or


                             -38-

<PAGE>
          (3)  there is a proposed liquidation or dissolution
     of the Company or of the issuer of any other security into
     which the Securities are convertible,

the Company shall mail to Holders of Securities of any affected
series a notice stating the proposed record date for a dividend
or distribution or the proposed effective date of a subdivi-
sion, combination, reclassification, consolidation, merger,
transfer, lease, liquidation or dissolution.  The Company shall
mail the notice at least 15 days before such date.  Failure to
mail the notice or any defect in it shall not affect the valid-
ity of the transaction.


SECTION 9.16.  Reorganization of the Company.

          If the Company is a party to a transaction subject to
Section 5.01, the successor corporation (if other than the Com-
pany) shall enter into a supplemental indenture which shall
provide that the Holder of a Security may convert it into the
kind and amount of securities, cash or other assets which he
would have owned immediately after the consolidation, merger or
transfer if he had converted the Security immediately before
the effective date of the transaction.  The supplemental inden-
ture shall provide for adjustments which shall be as nearly
equivalent as may be practical to the adjustments provided for
in this Article.  The successor company shall mail to Holders
of Securities of any affected series a notice briefly describ-
ing the supplemental indenture.

          If this Section applies, Sections 9.08, 9.09 and 9.10
do not apply.


                    ARTICLE 10 -- AMENDMENTS


SECTION 10.01.  Without Consent of Holders.


     The Company and the Trustee may amend this Indenture, the
Securities or any coupons without the consent of any
Securityholder:

          (1)  to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or
               inconsistency;

          (2)  to comply with Article 5 or Section 9.16;



                             -39-

<PAGE>
          (3)  to provide that specific provisions of this
               Indenture shall not apply to a series not previ-
               ously issued;

          (4)  to create a series and establish its terms;

          (5)  to provide for a separate Trustee for one or
               more series; or

          (6)  to make any change that does not materially
               adversely affect the rights of any
               Securityholder.


SECTION 10.02.  With Consent of Holders.

     Unless the Bond Resolution otherwise provides, the Company
and the Trustee may amend this Indenture, the Securities and
any coupons with the written consent of the Holders of a major-
ity in principal amount of the Securities of all series
affected by the amendment voting as one class.  However, with-
out the consent of each Securityholder affected, an amendment
under this Section may not:

          (1)  reduce the amount of Securities whose Holders
               must consent to an amendment;

          (2)  reduce the interest on or change the time for
               payment of interest on any Security;

          (3)  change the fixed maturity of any Security;

          (4)  reduce the principal of any non-Discounted Secu-
               rity or reduce the amount of principal of any
               Discounted Security that would be due upon an
               acceleration thereof;

          (5)  change the currency in which principal or inter-
               est on a Security is payable; 

          (6)  make any change that materially adversely
               affects the right to convert any Security; or

          (7)  make any change in Section 6.04 or 10.02, except
               to increase the amount of Securities whose Hold-
               ers must consent to an amendment or waiver or to
               provide that other provisions of this Indenture
               cannot be amended or waived without the consent
               of each Securityholder affected thereby.


                             -40-
<PAGE>
     An amendment of a provision included solely for the bene-
fit of one or more series does not affect Securityholders of
any other series.

     Securityholders need not consent to the exact text of a
proposed amendment or waiver; it is sufficient if they consent
to the substance thereof.


SECTION 10.03.  Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.

     Every amendment pursuant to Section 10.01 or 10.02 shall
be set forth in a supplemental indenture that complies with the
TIA as then in effect.

     If a provision of the TIA requires or permits a provision
of this Indenture and the TIA provision is amended, then the
Indenture provision shall be automatically amended to like
effect.


SECTION 10.04.  Effect of Consents.

     An amendment or waiver becomes effective in accordance
with its terms and thereafter binds every Securityholder enti-
tled to consent to it.

     A consent to an amendment or waiver by a Holder of a Secu-
rity is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent
Holder of a Security that evidences the same debt as the con-
senting Holder's Security.  Any Holder or subsequent Holder may
revoke the consent as to his Security if the Trustee receives
notice of the revocation before the amendment or waiver becomes
effective.

     The Company may fix a record date for the determination of
Holders of Registered Securities entitled to give a consent.
The record date shall not be less than 10 nor more than 60 days
prior to the first written solicitation of Securityholders.


SECTION 10.05.  Notation on or Exchange of Securities.

     The Company or the Trustee may place an appropriate nota-
tion about an amendment or waiver on any Security thereafter
authenticated.  The Company may issue in exchange for affected
Securities new Securities that reflect the amendment or waiver.




                             -41-

<PAGE>
SECTION 10.06.  Trustee Protected.

     The Trustee need not sign any supplemental indenture that
adversely affects its rights.  The Trustee shall be entitled to
receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opin-
ion of Counsel and an Officers' Certificate each stating that
the execution of any amendment or supplement or waiver autho-
rized puruant to this Article is authorized or permitted by
this Indenture, and that such amendment or supplement or waiver
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the
Company.


                  ARTICLE 11 -- MISCELLANEOUS


SECTION 11.01.  Trust Indenture Act.

     The provisions of TIA Sections 310 through 317 that impose
duties on any person (including the provisions automatically
deemed included herein unless expressly excluded by this Inden-
ture) are a part of and govern this Indenture, whether or not
expressly set forth herein.

     If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or
conflicts with another provision which is required to be
included in this Indenture by the TIA, the required provision
shall control.


SECTION 11.02.  Notices

     Any notice by one party to another is duly given if in
writing and delivered in person, sent by facsimile transmission
confirmed by mail or mailed by first-class mail to the other's
address shown below:

        Company:   Southwestern Public Service Company
                   Tyler at Sixth
                   Amarillo, Texas  79101
               
                   Fax: 806-378-2995

                   Attention:  Secretary

        Trustee:   
                   
                   

                   Attention:

                             -42-

<PAGE>
     A party by notice to the other parties may designate addi-
tional or different addresses for subsequent notices.

     Any notice mailed to a Securityholder shall be mailed to
his address shown on the register kept by the Transfer Agent or
on the list referred to in Section 2.06.  Failure to mail a
notice to a Securityholder or any defect in a notice mailed to
a Securityholder shall not affect the sufficiency of the notice
mailed to other Securityholders or the sufficiency of any pub-
lished notice.

     If a notice is mailed in the manner provided above within
the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the
addressee receives it.

     If the Company mails a notice to Securityholders, it shall
mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

     If in the Company's opinion it is impractical to mail a
notice required to be mailed or to publish a notice required to
be published, the Company may give such substitute notice as
the Trustee approves.  Failure to publish a notice as required
or any defect in it shall not affect the sufficiency of any
mailed notice.

     All notices shall be in the English language, except that
any published notice may be in an official language of the
country of publication.

     A "notice" includes any communication required by this
Indenture.


SECTION 11.03.  Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions
                Precedent.

     Upon any request or application by the Company to the
Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Company
shall if so requested furnish to the Trustee:

          (1)  an Officers' Certificate stating that, in the
               opinion of the signers, all conditions prece-
               dent, if any, provided for in this Indenture
               relating to the proposed action have been com-
               plied with; and

          (2)  an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opin-
               ion of such counsel, all such conditions prece-
               dent have been complied with.


                             -43-

<PAGE>
SECTION 11.04.  Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.

     Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance
with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture
shall include:

          (1)  a statement that the person making such certifi-
               cate or opinion has read such covenant or
               condition;

          (2)  a brief statement as to the nature and scope of
               the examination or investigation upon which the
               statements or opinions contained in such cer-
               tificate or opinion are based;

          (3)  a statement that, in the opinion of such person,
               he has made such examination or investigation as
               is necessary to enable him to express an
               informed opinion as to whether or not such cove-
               nant or condition has been complied with; and

          (4)  a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion
               of such person, such condition or covenant has
               been complied with.


SECTION 11.05.  Rules by Company and Agents.

     The Company may make reasonable rules for action by or a
meeting of Securityholders.  An Agent may make reasonable rules
and set reasonable requirements for its functions.


SECTION 11.06.  Legal Holidays.

     A "Legal Holiday" is a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on
which banking institutions are not required to be open.  If a
payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, unless
the Bond Resolution establishing a series otherwise provides
with respect to Securities of the series, payment may be made
at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal
Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening
period.


SECTION 11.07.  No Recourse Against Others.

     All liability described in the Securities of any director,
officer, employee or stockholder, as such, of the Company is
waived and released.

                             -44-

<PAGE>
SECTION 11.08.  Duplicate Originals.

     The parties may sign any number of copies of this Inden-
ture.  One signed copy is enough to prove this Indenture.


SECTION 11.09.  Governing Law.

     The laws of the State of New York shall govern this Inden-
ture, the Securities and any coupons, unless federal law
governs.








































                             -45-

<PAGE>
                          SIGNATURES


Dated:            , 1996      SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE
                                COMPANY



                              By                               
                                   Name:
                                   Title:

                                              (SEAL)
Attest:

________________________
Name:
Title:


Dated:           , 1996       [               ]



                              By                               
                                   Name:
                                   Title:

Attest:                                               (SEAL)


_________________________
Name:
Title:

















                             -46-

<PAGE>
                           EXHIBIT A

                 A Form of Registered Security


No.                                           $                


              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
                      [Title of Security]


Southwestern Public Service Company
promises to pay to 

or registered assigns
the principal sum of                    Dollars on             ,

Interest Payment Dates:
         Record Dates:


                                        Dated:

[                        ]              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE
Transfer Agent and Paying Agent         COMPANY

                                        by

                              (SEAL)

Authenticated:                          Chairman of the Board

[Name of Registrar]

Registrar, by

Authorized Signature                    Vice-President












                              A-1

<PAGE>
          SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
          [Title of Security]


1.  Interest.1

          Southwestern Public Service Company ("Company"), a
          corporation organized and existing under the laws of
          the State of New Mexico, promises to pay interest on
          the principal amount of this Security at the rate per
          annum shown above.  The Company will pay interest
                    on                       and
          of each year commencing           , 19__.  Interest
          on the Securities will accrue from the most recent
          date to which interest has been paid or, if no inter-
          est has been paid, from           , 19__.  Interest
          will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of
          twelve 30-day months.

2.  Method of Payment.2

          The Company will pay interest on the Securities to
          the persons who are registered holders of Securities
          at the close of business on the record date for the
          next interest payment date, except as otherwise pro-
          vided in the Indenture.  Holders must surrender Secu-
          rities to a Paying Agent to collect principal pay-
          ments.  The Company will pay principal and interest
          in money of the United States that at the time of
          payment is legal tender for payment of public and
          private debts.  The Company may pay principal and
          interest by check payable in such money.  It may mail
          an interest check to a holder's registered address.

3.  Bond Agents.

          Initially,
          Attention:                     , will act as Paying
          Agent, Transfer Agent and Registrar.  The Company may
          change any Paying Agent, Transfer Agent or Registrar
          without notice or provide for more than one such
          agent.  The Company or any Affiliate may act in any
          such capacity.  Subject to certain conditions, the
          Company may change the Trustee.

4.  Indenture.

          The Company issued the securities of this series
          ("Securities") under an Indenture dated as          ,
          1996 ("Indenture") between the Company and

                              A-2

<PAGE>
                       ("Trustee").  The terms of the Securi-
          ties include those stated in the Indenture and in the
          Bond Resolution creating the Securities and those
          made part of the Indenture by the Trust Indenture Act
          of 1939 (15 U.S. Code Sections 77aaa-77bbbb).
          Securityholders are referred to the Indenture, the
          Bond Resolution and the Act for a statement of such
          terms.

5.  Optional Redemption.3

          On or after               , the Company may redeem
          all the Securities at any time or some of them from
          time to time at the following redemption prices
          (expressed in percentages of principal amount), plus
          accrued interest to the redemption date.

          If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning,

          Year       Percentage        Year       Percentage





          and thereafter at 100%.

6.  Mandatory Redemption.4

          The Company will redeem $         principal amount of
          Securities on                and on each
                         thereafter through
          at a redemption price of 100% of principal amount,
          plus accrued interest to the redemption date.5  The
          Company may reduce the principal amount of Securities
          to be redeemed pursuant to this paragraph by sub-
          tracting 100% of the principal amount (excluding pre-
          mium) of any Securities (i) that the Company has
          acquired or that the Company has redeemed other than
          pursuant to this paragraph and (ii) that the Company
          has delivered to the Registrar for cancellation.  The
          Company may so subtract the same Security only once.

7.  Additional Optional Redemption.6

          In addition to redemptions pursuant to the above
          paragraph(s), the Company may redeem not more than
          $            principal amount of Securities on
                       and on each              thereafter
          through              at a redemption price of 100% of

                              A-3

<PAGE>
          principal amount, plus accrued interest to the
          redemption date.

8.  Notice of Redemption.7

          Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days
          before the redemption date to each holder of Securi-
          ties to be redeemed at his registered address.

          A notice of redemption may provide that it is subject
          to the occurrence of any event before the date fixed
          for such redemption as described in such notice
          ("Conditional Redemption") and such notice of Condi-
          tional Redemption shall be of no effect unless all
          such conditions to the redemption have occurred
          before such date or have been waived by the Company.

9.  Conversion.8

          A Holder of a Security may convert it into Common
          Stock of the Company or cash, or a combination
          thereof, at the Company's option, at any time before
          the close of business on ___________, or, if the
          Security is called for redemption, the Holder may
          convert it at any time before the close of business
          on the redemption date.  The initial Conversion Rate
          is ____________ (or an equivalent amount in cash) per
          $1,000 principal amount of the Securities, subject to
          adjustment as provided in Article 9 of the
          Indenture.9  The Company will deliver a check in lieu
          of any fractional share.  On conversion no payment or
          adjustment for interest accrued on the Securities
          will be made nor for dividends on the Common Stock
          issued on conversion.  If any Security is converted
          between the record date for the payment of interest
          and the next succeeding interest payment date, such
          Security must be accompanied by funds equal to the
          interest payable on such succeeding interest payment
          date on the principal amount so converted (unless
          such Security shall have been called for redemption,
          in which case no such payment shall be required).  A
          Security converted on an interest payment date need
          not be accompanied by any payment, and the interest
          on the principal amount of the Security being con-
          verted will be paid on such interest payment date to
          the registered holder of such Security on the immedi-
          ately preceding record date.

          To convert a Security a Holder must (1) complete and
          sign the conversion notice on the back of the

                              A-4

<PAGE>
          Security, (2) surrender the Security to a Conversion
          Agent, (3) furnish appropriate endorsements and
          transfer documents if required by the Registrar or
          Conversion Agent and (4) pay any transfer or similar
          tax if required.  A Holder may convert a portion of a
          Security if the portion is $1,000 or an integral mul-
          tiple of $1,000.

10.  Denominations, Transfer, Exchange.

          The Securities are in registered form without coupons
          in denominations of $1,00010 and whole multiples of
          $1,000.  The transfer of Securities may be registered
          and Securities may be exchanged as provided in the
          Indenture.  The Transfer Agent may require a holder,
          among other things, to furnish appropriate endorse-
          ments and transfer documents and to pay any taxes and
          fees required by law or the Indenture.  The Transfer
          Agent need not exchange or register the transfer of
          any Security or portion of a Security selected for
          redemption.  Also, it need not exchange or register
          the transfer of any Securities for a period of 15
          days before a selection of Securities to be redeemed.

11.  Persons Deemed Owners.

          The registered holder of a Security may be treated as
          its owner for all purposes.

12.  Amendments and Waivers.

          Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the
          Securities may be amended with the consent of the
          holders of a majority in principal amount of the
          securities of all series affected by the amendment.11
          Subject to certain exceptions, a default on a series
          may be waived with the consent of the holders of a
          majority in principal amount of the series.

          Without the consent of any Securityholder, the
          Indenture or the Securities may be amended, among
          other things, to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect
          or inconsistency; to provide for assumption of Com-
          pany obligations to Securityholders; or to make any
          change that does not materially adversely affect the
          rights of any Securityholder.





                              A-5

<PAGE>
13.  Restrictive Covenants.12

          The Securities are unsecured general obligations of
          the Company limited to $           principal amount.
          The Indenture does not limit other unsecured debt.

14.  Successors.

          When a successor assumes all the obligations of the
          Company under the Securities and the Indenture, the
          Company will be released from those obligations.

15.  Defeasance Prior to Redemption or Maturity.13

          Subject to certain conditions, the Company at any
          time may terminate some or all of its obligations
          under the Securities and the Indenture if the Company
          deposits with the Trustee money or U.S. Government
          Obligations for the payment of principal and interest
          on the Securities to redemption or maturity.  U.S.
          Government Obligations are securities backed by the
          full faith and credit of the United States of America
          or certificates representing an ownership interest in
          such Obligations.

16.  Defaults and Remedies.

          An Event of Default14 includes:  default for 60 days
          in payment of interest on the Securities; default in
          payment of principal on the Securities; default in
          payment or satisfaction of any sinking fund obliga-
          tion; default by the Company for a specified period
          after notice to it in the performance of any of its
          other agreements applicable to the Securities; cer-
          tain events of bankruptcy or insolvency; and any
          other Event of Default provided for in the series.
          If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the
          Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal
          amount of the Securities may declare the principal15
          of all the Securities to be due and payable
          immediately.

          Securityholders may not enforce the Indenture or the
          Securities except as provided in the Indenture.  The
          Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it
          before it enforces the Indenture or the Securities.
          Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority
          in principal amount of the Securities may direct the
          Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power.  The
          Trustee may withhold from Securityholders notice of

                              A-6

<PAGE>
          any continuing default (except a default in payment
          of principal or interest) if it determines that with-
          holding notice is in their interests.  The Company
          must furnish annual compliance certificates to the
          Trustee.

17.  Trustee Dealings with Company.

                       , the Trustee under the Indenture, in
          its individual or any other capacity, may make loans
          to, accept deposits from, and perform services for
          the Company or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal
          with the Company or its Affiliates, as if it were not
          Trustee.

18.  No Recourse Against Others.

          A director, officer, employee or stockholder, as
          such, of the Company shall not have any liability for
          any obligations of the Company under the Securities
          or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in
          respect of or by reason of such obligations or their
          creation.  Each Securityholder by accepting a Secu-
          rity waives and releases all such liability.  The
          waiver and release are part of the consideration for
          the issue of the Securities.

19.  Authentication.

          This Security shall not be valid until authenticated
          by a manual signature of the Registrar.

20.  Abbreviations.

          Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a
          Securityholder or an assignee, such as:  TEN COM
          (=tenants in common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the
          entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with right of
          survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST
          (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gifts to Minors
          Act).

     The Company will furnish to any Securityholder upon writ-
ten request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and the
Bond Resolution, which contains the text of this Security in
larger type.  Requests may be made to:  Southwestern Public
Service Company, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo, Texas 79101, Atten-
tion: Corporate Secretary.



                              A-7

<PAGE>
                           EXHIBIT B

                   A Form of Bearer Security


No.                                                      $     

              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
                      [Title of Security]


Southwestern Public
Service Company promises
to pay to bearer


the principal sum of                    Dollars on       ,

Interest Payment Dates:

                                        Dated:

[                      ]                SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE
Transfer Agent                          COMPANY

                              (SEAL)    by

Authenticated:                          Chairman of the Board

[Name of Registrar]

Registrar, by

Authorized Signature                    Vice-President















                              B-1

<PAGE>
          SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
          [Title of Security]


1.   Interest.1

          Southwestern Public Service Company ("Company"), a
          corporation organized and existing under the laws of
          the State of New Mexico, promises to pay to bearer
          interest on the principal amount of this Security at
          the rate per annum shown above.  The Company will pay
          interest             on             and
          of each year commencing            , 19  .  Interest
          on the Securities will accrue from the most recent
          date to which interest has been paid or, if no inter-
          est has been paid, from           , 19  .  Interest
          will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of
          twelve 30-day months.

2.   Method of Payment.2

          Holders must surrender Securities and any coupons to
          a Paying Agent to collect principal and interest pay-
          ments.  The Company will pay principal and interest
          in money of the United States that at the time of
          payment is legal tender for payment of public and
          private debts.  The Company may pay principal and
          interest by check payable in such money.

3.   Bond Agents.

          Initially,                    , Attention:
                              , will act as Transfer Agent,
          Paying Agent and Registrar.  The Company may change
          any Paying Agent, Transfer Agent or Registrar without
          notice or provide for more than one such agent.  The
          Company or any Affiliate may act in any such capac-
          ity.  Subject to certain conditions, the Company may
          change the Trustee.

4.   Indenture.

          The Company issued the securities of this series
          ("Securities") under an Indenture dated as of
                   , 1996 ("Indenture") between the Company and
                      ("Trustee").  The terms of the Securities
          include those stated in the Indenture and the Bond
          Resolution and those made part of the Indenture by
          the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S. Code

                              B-2

<PAGE>
          Sections 77aaa-77bbbb).  Securityholders are referred
          to the Indenture, the Bond Resolution and the Act for
          a statement of such terms.

5.   Optional Redemption.3

          On or after              , the Company may redeem all
          the Securities at any time or some of them from time
          to time at the following redemption prices (expressed
          in percentages of principal amount), plus accrued
          interest to the redemption date.

          If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning,

          Year      Percentage     Year      Percentage


          and thereafter 100%.

6.   Mandatory Redemption.4

          The Company will redeem $         principal amount of
          Securities on         and on each
          thereafter through            at a redemption price
          of 100% of principal amount, plus accrued interest to
          the redemption date.5  The Company may reduce the
          principal amount of Securities to be redeemed pursu-
          ant to this paragraph by subtracting 100% of the
          principal amount (excluding premium) of any Securi-
          ties (i) that the Company has acquired or that the
          Company has redeemed other than pursuant to this
          paragraph and (ii) that the Company has delivered to
          the Registrar for cancellation.  The Company may so
          subtract the same Security only once.

7.   Additional Optional Redemption.6

          In addition to redemptions pursuant to the above
          paragraph(s), the Company may redeem not more than
          $       principal amount of Securities on
          and on each            thereafter through
          at a redemption price of 100% of principal amount,
          plus accrued interest to the redemption date.

8.   Notice of Redemption.7

          Notice of redemption will be published once in an
          Authorized Newspaper in the City of New York and if
          the Securities are listed on any stock exchange
          located outside the United States and such stock

                              B-3

<PAGE>
          exchange so requires, in any other required city out-
          side the United States at least 30 days before the
          redemption date.  Notice of redemption also will be
          mailed to holders who have filed their names and
          addresses with the Transfer Agent within the two pre-
          ceding years.  A holder of Securities may miss impor-
          tant notices if he fails to maintain his name and
          address with the Transfer Agent.

          A notice of redemption may provide that it is subject
          to the occurrence of any event before the date fixed
          for such redemption as described in such notice
          ("Conditional Redemption") and such notice of Condi-
          tional Redemption shall be of no effect unless all
          such conditions to the redemption have occurred
          before such date or have been waived by the Company.

9.   Conversion.8

          A Holder of a Security may convert it into Common
          Stock of the Company or cash, or a combination
          thereof, at the Company's option, at any time before
          the close of business on ___________, or, if the
          Security is called for redemption, the Holder may
          convert it at any time before the close of business
          on the redemption date.  The initial Conversion Rate
          is ____________ (or an equivalent amount in cash) per
          $1,000 principal amount of the Securities, subject to
          adjustment as provided in Article 9 of the
          Indenture.9  The Company will deliver a check in lieu
          of any fractional share.  On conversion no payment or
          adjustment for interest accrued on the Securities
          will be made nor for dividends on the Common Stock
          issued on conversion.  If any Security is converted
          between the record date for the payment of interest
          and the next succeeding interest payment date, such
          Security must be accompanied by funds equal to the
          interest payable on such succeeding interest payment
          date on the principal amount so converted (unless
          such Security shall have been called for redemption,
          in which case no such payment shall be required).  A
          Security converted on an interest payment date need
          not be accompanied by any payment, and the interest
          on the principal amount of the Security being con-
          verted will be paid on such interest payment date to
          the registered holder of such Security on the immedi-
          ately preceding record date.

                    To convert a Security a Holder must (1)
          complete and sign the conversion notice on the back

                              B-4

<PAGE>
          of the Security, (2) surrender the Security to a Con-
          version Agent, (3) furnish appropriate endorsements
          and transfer documents if required by the Registrar
          or Conversion Agent and (4) pay any transfer or simi-
          lar tax if required.  A Holder may convert a portion
          of a Security if the portion is $1,000 or an integral
          multiple of $1,000.

10.  Denominations, Transfer, Exchange.

          The Securities are in bearer form with coupons in
          denominations of $5,00010 and whole multiples of
          $5,000.  The Securities may be transferred by deliv-
          ery and exchanged as provided in the Indenture.  Upon
          an exchange, the Transfer Agent may require a holder,
          among other things, to furnish appropriate documents
          and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or the
          Indenture.  The Transfer Agent need not exchange any
          Security or portion of a Security selected for
          redemption.  Also, it need not exchange any Securi-
          ties for a period of 15 days before a selection of
          Securities to be redeemed.

11.  Persons Deemed Owners.

          The holder of a Security or coupon may be treated as
          its owner for all purposes.

12.  Amendments and Waivers.

          Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the
          Securities may be amended with the consent of the
          holders of a majority in principal amount of the
          securities of all series affected by the amendment.11
          Subject to certain exceptions, a default on a series
          may be waived with the consent of the holders of a
          majority in principal amount of the series.

          Without the consent of any Securityholder, the Inden-
          ture or the Securities may be amended, among other
          things, to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or
          inconsistency; to provide for assumption of Company
          obligations to Securityholders; or to make any change
          that does not materially adversely affect the rights
          of any Securityholder.






                              B-5

<PAGE>
13.  Restrictive Covenants.12

          The Securities are unsecured general obligations of
          the Company limited to $          principal amount.
          The Indenture does not limit other unsecured debt.  

14.  Successors.

          When a successor assumes all the obligations of the
          Company under the Securities, any coupons and the
          Indenture, the Company will be released from those
          obligations.

15.  Defeasance Prior to Redemption or Maturity.13

          Subject to certain conditions, the Company at any
          time may terminate some or all of its obligations
          under the Securities, any coupons and the Indenture
          if the Company deposits with the Trustee money or
          U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of prin-
          cipal and interest on the Securities to redemption or
          maturity.  U.S. Government Obligations are securities
          backed by the full faith and credit of the United
          States of America or certificates representing an
          ownership interest in such Obligations.

16.  Defaults and Remedies.

          An Event of Default14 includes:  default for 60 days
          in payment of interest on the Securities; default in
          payment of principal on the Securities; default in
          payment or satisfaction of any sinking fund obliga-
          tion; default by the Company for a specified period
          after notice to it in the performance of any of its
          other agreements applicable to the Securities; cer-
          tain events of bankruptcy or insolvency; and any
          other Event of Default provided for in the series.
          If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the
          Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal
          amount of the Securities may declare the principal15
          of all the Securities to be due and payable
          immediately.

          Securityholders may not enforce the Indenture or the
          Securities except as provided in the Indenture.  The
          Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it
          before it enforces the Indenture or the Securities.
          Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority
          in principal amount of the Securities may direct the
          Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power.  The

                              B-6

<PAGE>
          Trustee may withhold from Securityholders notice of
          any continuing default (except a default in payment
          of principal or interest) if it determines that with-
          holding notice is in their interests.  The Company
          must furnish annual compliance certificates to the
          Trustee.

17.  Trustee Dealings with Company.

                       , the Trustee under the Indenture, in
          its individual or any other capacity, may make loans
          to, accept deposits from, and perform services for
          the Company or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal
          with the Company or its Affiliates, as if it were not
          Trustee.

18.  No Recourse Against Others.

          A director, officer, employee or stockholder, as
          such, of the Company shall not have any liability for
          any obligations of the Company under the Securities
          or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in
          respect of or by reason of such obligations or their
          creation.  Each Securityholder by accepting a Secu-
          rity waives and releases all such liability.  The
          waiver and release are part of the consideration for
          the issue of the Securities.

19.  Authentication.

          This Security shall not be valid until authenticated
          by a manual signature of the Registrar.

20.  Abbreviations.

          Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a
          Securityholder or an assignee, such as:  TEN COM
          (=tenants in common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the
          entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with right of
          survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST
          (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gifts to Minors
          Act).

     The Company will furnish to any Securityholder upon writ-
ten request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and the
Bond Resolution, which contains the text of this Security in
larger type.  Requests may be made to:  Southwestern Public
Service Company, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo, Texas 79101, Atten-
tion: Corporate Secretary.


                              B-7

<PAGE>
                       [FACE OF COUPON]

                                                ...............
                                                [$]............
                                                Due............


              SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

                      [Title of Security]

     Unless the Security attached to this coupon has been
called for redemption, Southwestern Public Service Company (the
"Company") will pay to bearer, upon surrender, the amount shown
hereon when due.  This coupon may be surrendered for payment to
any Paying Agent listed on the back of this coupon unless the
Company has replaced such Agent.  Payment may be made by check.
This coupon represents      months' interest.

                              Southwestern Public Service
                                Company



                              By                               

                      [REVERSE OF COUPON]

                         PAYING AGENTS





















                              B-8

<PAGE>
                   NOTES TO EXHIBITS A AND B


1    If the Security is not to bear interest at a fixed rate
     per annum, insert a description of the manner in which the
     rate of interest is to be determined.  If the Security is
     not to bear interest prior to maturity, so state.

2    If the method or currency of payment is different, insert
     a statement thereof.

3    If applicable.  A restriction on redemption or refunding
     or any provision applicable to to its redemption other may
     be added.

4    If applicable.

5    If the Security is a Discounted Security, insert amount to
     be redeemed or method of calculating such amount.

6    If applicable.  Also insert, if applicable, provisions for
     repayment of Securities at the option of the
     Securityholder.

7    If applicable.

8    If applicable. If convertible into securities other than
     Common Stock, insert appropriate summary.

9    If additional or different adjustment provisions apply so
     specify.

10   If applicable.  Insert additional or different denomina-
     tions and terms as appropriate.

11   If different terms apply, insert a brief summary thereof.

12   If applicable.  If additional or different covenants
     apply, insert a brief summary thereof.

13   If applicable.  If different defeasance terms apply,
     insert a brief summary thereof.

14   If additional or different Events of Default apply, insert
     a brief summary thereof.

15   If the Security is a Discounted Security, set forth the
     amount due and payable upon an Event of Default.

Note:  U.S. tax law may require certain legends on Discounted
       and Bearer Securities.

<PAGE>
                           EXHIBIT C

                        ASSIGNMENT FORM


       To assign this Security, fill in the form below:

         I or we assign and transfer this Security to

           _________________________________________
           :                                       :
           :_______________________________________:
         (Insert assignee's soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)



                                                               
                                                               
                                                               
                                                               
     (Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code)

and irrevocably appoint                                        
agent to transfer this Security on the books of the Company.
The agent may substitute another to act for him.


Date: _______________  Your Signature:                         

                                                               


     (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of
this Security)
















                              C-1

<PAGE>
                           EXHIBIT D


                        CONVERSION NOTICE

                    To convert this Security,
                    check the box:


                               _____
                              /____/

                    To convert only part of this
                    Security, state the amount
                    (must be in integral multiples
                    of $1,000);

                    $_____________________________

                    If you want the securities
                    delivered upon conversion made
                    out in another person's name,
                    fill in the form below:


                    (Insert other person's Social
                    Security or Tax I.D. Number)

                    ______________________________
                    ______________________________
                    ______________________________
                    ______________________________
                    (Print or type other
                    person's name, address
                    and zip code)


Date: _________ Signature(s): ______________________________
                              ______________________________
                              (Sign exactly as your name(s)
                              appear(s) on the other side of
                              this Security)







                              D-1

<PAGE>
Signature(s) guaranteed by: ________________________________
                            (All signatures must be
                            guaranteed by a member of a
                            national securities exchange or
                            of the National Association of
                            Securities Dealers, Inc. or by a
                            commercial bank or trust company
                            located in the United States)







































                              D-2



                                                        EXHIBIT 5



     [LETTERHEAD OF HINKLE, COX, EATON, COFFIELD & HENSLEY]



                          June 3, 1996


Securities and Exchange Commission
450 5th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC  20549

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We refer to the proposed issuance and sale of Preferred
Stock, $1 par value (the "Preferred Stock") of Southwestern
Public Service Company (the "Company") and/or Debt Securities
(the "Debt Securities") consisting of First Mortgage Bonds of the
Company, which may be in one or more series, and/or unsecured
Debentures or Notes of the Company, which may be in one or more
series, for which the Company is filing a Registration Statement
on Form S-3 ("Registration Statement") with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
("Act").  We advise you that, in our opinion:

     (1)  the Company is a corporation duly organized and
existing under the laws of New Mexico;

     (2)  upon (a) the Registration Statement becoming effective
under the Act and the filing of a prospectus supplement relating
to the Preferred Stock and/or Debt Securities under the Act,
(b) the adoption of resolutions by the Board of Directors of the
Company authorizing the issuance of the Preferred Stock and/or
the Debt Securities, and (c) the due execution, authentication,
and delivery of the Preferred Stock and/or the Debt Securities
and the full payment therefor in accordance with such
authorization of the Board of Directors of the Company, the New
Mexico Public Service Commission, and the Corporation Commission
of Oklahoma, the Preferred Stock will have been duly authorized,
validly issued, and will be fully paid and non-assessable and/or
the Debt Securities will have been legally issued and will be
binding obligations of the Company, and

     (3)  the statements as to matters of law and legal
conclusions in the Registration Statement made in reliance upon
us as experts are correct.
<PAGE>
      We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm
under the heading "Experts" included in the prospectus forming
part of the Registration Statement.

                                          Yours very truly,

                                          Hinckle, Cox, Eaton,
                                           Coffield & Hensley














































                                                     EXHIBIT 15






Southwestern Public Service Company

We have reviewed, in accordance with standards established by
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the
unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial information
of Southwestern Public Service Company for the periods ended
February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1995 and December 30, 1995
and 1994 as indicated in our reports dated April 12, 1996 and
January 12, 1996, respectively; because we did not perform an
audit, we expressed no opinion on that information.

We are aware that our reports referred to above, which were
included in your Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters
ended February 29, 1996 and November 30, 1995, are being used
in this Registration Statement.

We also are aware that the aforementioned reports, pursuant to
Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, are not
considered a part of the Registration Statement prepared or
certified by an accountant or reports prepared or certified by
an accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that
Act.



DELOITTE & TOUCH LLP
Dallas, Texas

June 3, 1996



                                                  EXHIBIT 23(b)



              [LETTERHEAD OF FOULSTON & SIEFKIN]



                         May 24, 1996



Southwestern Public Service Company
SPS Tower
Tyler at Sixth Street
Amarillo, Texas  79170

Dear Sirs:

          In connection with the registration statement on Form
S-3 relating to the registration of Debt Securities and
Preferred Stock of Southwestern Public Service Company, we
hereby consent to the references to our firm in the prospectus
filed as a part of such registration statement and the
documents incorporated by reference therein.

                                   Very truly yours,

                                   FOULSTON & SIEFKIN
                                   Topeka Office

                                   /s/James L. Grimes, Jr.
                                   ----------------------------
                                   James L. Grimes, Jr.




                                                  EXHIBIT 23(c)


          [LETTERHEAD OF RAINEY, ROSS, RICE & BINNS]



                         June 3, 1996 



Southwestern Public Service Company
P.O. Box 1261
Amarillo, TX  79170

Dear Sirs:

          In connection with the Registration Statement on
Form S-3 relating to the registration of Debt Securities and
Preferred Stock of Southwestern Public Service Company, we
hereby consent to the reference to our firm in the Prospectus
filed as a part of such Registration Statement and the
documents incorporated by reference therein.

                                   Very truly yours,

                                   RAINEY, ROSS, RICE & BINNS


                                   By: /s/Hugh D. Rice       
                                       -----------------------
                                           Hugh D. Rice



                                                  EXHIBIT 23(d)


                 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this
Registration Statement of Southwestern Public Service Company
on Form S-3 of our report dated October 10, 1995, appearing in
the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Southwestern Public Service
Company for the year ended August 31, 1995, and to the
reference to us as experts.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Dallas, Texas

June 3, 1996





                                                  EXHIBIT 23(e)



                 Independent Auditors' Consent
                 -----------------------------




The Board of Directors
Southwestern Public Service Company:


We consent to the use of our report incorporated herein by
reference and to the reference to our firm under the heading
"Experts" in the prospectus.


                                   KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Fort Worth, Texas
May 31, 1996






                                                     Exhibit 24


          The undersigned, Robert D. Dickerson, Secretary and
Treasurer of SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY ("Southwest-
ern"), a New Mexico corporation, which is to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, under the provisions of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, registration statements
(a) for the registration of Southwestern's First Mortgage Bonds
to be issued pursuant to the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of
Trust dated August 1, 1946, as supplemented and amended,
between Southwestern's and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, (b) for
the registration of Southwestern's Common Stock, $1 par value,
(c) for the registration of Southwestern's Preferred Stock, $1
par value, and (d) for any other equity or long-term debt, on
behalf of Southwestern acting pursuant to resolutions of the
Board of Directors duly adopted, hereby constitutes and
appoints Bill D. Helton, David M. Wilks, Doyle R. Bunch II, and
Robert D. Dickerson of SPS Tower, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo,
Texas, and each of them Southwestern's attorney-in-fact, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises,
for Southwestern and in its name, place and stead to sign with
or without the other in any and all capacities and file such
registration statements and any and all amendments and other
documents related thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act
and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the
premises as fully to all intents and purposes might or could
do, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of said attorneys-
in-fact.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set
his hand this 31st day of January, 1996.



                              /s/ Robert D. Dickerson
                              -----------------------
                                  Robert D. Dickerson











<PAGE>
          The undersigned, Bill D. Helton, Director, Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC
SERVICE COMPANY ("Southwestern"), a New Mexico corporation,
which is to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
registration statements (a) for the registration of Southwest-
ern's First Mortgage Bonds to be issued pursuant to the Inden-
ture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated August 1, 1946, as
supplemented and amended, between Southwestern's and Chemical
Bank, as Trustee, (b) for the registration of Southwestern's
Common Stock, $1 par value, (c) for the registration of South-
western's Preferred Stock, $1 par value, and (d) for any other
equity or long-term debt, on behalf of Southwestern acting pur-
suant to resolutions of the Board of Directors duly adopted,
hereby constitutes and appoints David M. Wilks, Doyle R.
Bunch II, and Robert D. Dickerson of SPS Tower, Tyler at Sixth,
Amarillo, Texas, and each of them Southwestern's attorney-in-
fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution in the
premises, for Southwestern and in its name, place and stead to
sign with or without the other in any and all capacities and
file such registration statements and any and all amendments
and other documents related thereto, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done
in and about the premises as fully to all intents and purposes
might or could do, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of
said attorneys-in-fact.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set
his hand this 31st day of January, 1996.


                              /s/ Bill D. Helton
                              ------------------
                                  Bill D. Helton















<PAGE>
          The undersigned, David M. Wilks, Director, President
and Chief Operating Officer of SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COM-
PANY ("Southwestern"), a New Mexico corporation, which is to
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the
provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, registra-
tion statements (a) for the registration of Southwestern's
First Mortgage Bonds to be issued pursuant to the Indenture of
Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated August 1, 1946, as supple-
mented and amended, between Southwestern's and Chemical Bank,
as Trustee, (b) for the registration of Southwestern's Common
Stock, $1 par value, (c) for the registration of Southwestern's
Preferred Stock, $1 par value, and (d) for any other equity or
long-term debt, on behalf of Southwestern acting pursuant to
resolutions of the Board of Directors duly adopted, hereby con-
stitutes and appoints Bill D. Helton, Doyle R. Bunch II, and
Robert D. Dickerson of SPS Tower, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo,
Texas, and each of them Southwestern's attorney-in-fact, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises,
for Southwestern and in its name, place and stead to sign with
or without the other in any and all capacities and file such
registration statements and any and all amendments and other
documents related thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act
and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the
premises as fully to all intents and purposes might or could
do, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of said attorneys-
in-fact.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set
his hand this 31st day of January, 1996.

                              /s/ David M. Wilks
                              ------------------
                                  David M. Wilks

















<PAGE>



          The undersigned, Gene H. Bishop a Director of SOUTH-
WESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY ("Southwestern"), a New Mexico
corporation, which is to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, registration statements (a) for the registration of
Southwestern's First Mortgage Bonds to be issued pursuant to
the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated August 1,
1946, as supplemented and amended, between Southwestern and
Chemical Bank, as Trustee, (b) for the registration of South-
western's Common Stock, $1 par value, (c) for the registration
of Southwestern's Preferred Stock, $1 par value, and (d) for
any other equity or long-term debt, hereby constitutes and
appoints Bill D. Helton, David M. Wilks, Doyle R. Bunch II, and
Robert D. Dickerson of SPS Tower, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo,
Texas, and each of them Southwestern's attorney-in-fact, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises,
for him and in his name, place and stead to sign with or with-
out the other in any and all capacities and file such registra-
tion statements and any and all amendments and other documents
related thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the prem-
ises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of said
attorneys-in-fact.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set
his hand this 31st day of January, 1996.



                              /s/ Gene H. Bishop
                              ------------------
                                  Gene H. Bishop
















<PAGE>
          The undersigned, C. Coney Burgess a Director of
SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY ("Southwestern"), a New
Mexico corporation, which is to file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, registration statements (a) for the regis-
tration of Southwestern's First Mortgage Bonds to be issued
pursuant to the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated
August 1, 1946, as supplemented and amended, between Southwest-
ern and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, (b) for the registration of
Southwestern's Common Stock, $1 par value, (c) for the regis-
tration of Southwestern's Preferred Stock, $1 par value, and
(d) for any other equity or long-term debt, hereby constitutes
and appoints Bill D. Helton, David M. Wilks, Doyle R. Bunch II,
and Robert D. Dickerson of SPS Tower, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo,
Texas, and each of them Southwestern's attorney-in-fact, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises,
for him and in his name, place and stead to sign with or with-
out the other in any and all capacities and file such registra-
tion statements and any and all amendments and other documents
related thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the prem-
ises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of said
attorneys-in-fact.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set
his hand this 31st day of January, 1996.

                              /s/ C. Coney Burgess
                              --------------------
                                  C. Coney Burgess



















<PAGE>
          The undersigned, J. C. Chambers a Director of SOUTH-
WESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY ("Southwestern"), a New Mexico
corporation, which is to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, registration statements (a) for the registration of
Southwestern's First Mortgage Bonds to be issued pursuant to
the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated August 1,
1946, as supplemented and amended, between Southwestern and
Chemical Bank, as Trustee, (b) for the registration of South-
western's Common Stock, $1 par value, (c) for the registration
of Southwestern's Preferred Stock, $1 par value, and (d) for
any other equity or long-term debt, hereby constitutes and
appoints Bill D. Helton, David M. Wilks, Doyle R. Bunch II, and
Robert D. Dickerson of SPS Tower, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo,
Texas, and each of them Southwestern's attorney-in-fact, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises,
for him and in his name, place and stead to sign with or with-
out the other in any and all capacities and file such registra-
tion statements and any and all amendments and other documents
related thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the prem-
ises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of said
attorneys-in-fact.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set
his hand this 31st day of January, 1996.


                              /s/ J. C. Chambers
                              ------------------
                                  J. C. Chambers



















<PAGE>
          The undersigned, Danny H. Conklin a Director of
SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY ("Southwestern"), a New
Mexico corporation, which is to file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, registration statements (a) for the regis-
tration of Southwestern's First Mortgage Bonds to be issued
pursuant to the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated
August 1, 1946, as supplemented and amended, between Southwest-
ern and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, (b) for the registration of
Southwestern's Common Stock, $1 par value, (c) for the regis-
tration of Southwestern's Preferred Stock, $1 par value, and
(d) for any other equity or long-term debt, hereby constitutes
and appoints Bill D. Helton, David M. Wilks, Doyle R. Bunch II,
and Robert D. Dickerson of SPS Tower, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo,
Texas, and each of them Southwestern's attorney-in-fact, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises,
for him and in his name, place and stead to sign with or with-
out the other in any and all capacities and file such registra-
tion statements and any and all amendments and other documents
related thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the prem-
ises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of said
attorneys-in-fact.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set
his hand this 31st day of January, 1996.



                              /s/ Danny H. Conklin
                              --------------------
                                  Danny H. Conklin



















<PAGE>
          The undersigned, Giles M. Forbess a Director of
SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY ("Southwestern"), a New
Mexico corporation, which is to file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, registration statements (a) for the regis-
tration of Southwestern's First Mortgage Bonds to be issued
pursuant to the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated
August 1, 1946, as supplemented and amended, between Southwest-
ern and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, (b) for the registration of
Southwestern's Common Stock, $1 par value, (c) for the regis-
tration of Southwestern's Preferred Stock, $1 par value, and
(d) for any other equity or long-term debt, hereby constitutes
and appoints Bill D. Helton, David M. Wilks, Doyle R. Bunch II,
and Robert D. Dickerson of SPS Tower, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo,
Texas, and each of them Southwestern's attorney-in-fact, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises,
for him and in his name, place and stead to sign with or with-
out the other in any and all capacities and file such registra-
tion statements and any and all amendments and other documents
related thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the prem-
ises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of said
attorneys-in-fact.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set
his hand this 31st day of January, 1996.



                              /s/ Giles M. Forbess
                              --------------------
                                  Giles M. Forbess



















<PAGE>
          The undersigned, R. R. Hemminghaus a Director of
SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY ("Southwestern"), a New
Mexico corporation, which is to file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, registration statements (a) for the regis-
tration of Southwestern's First Mortgage Bonds to be issued
pursuant to the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated
August 1, 1946, as supplemented and amended, between Southwest-
ern and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, (b) for the registration of
Southwestern's Common Stock, $1 par value, (c) for the regis-
tration of Southwestern's Preferred Stock, $1 par value, and
(d) for any other equity or long-term debt, hereby constitutes
and appoints Bill D. Helton, David M. Wilks, Doyle R. Bunch II,
and Robert D. Dickerson of SPS Tower, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo,
Texas, and each of them Southwestern's attorney-in-fact, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises,
for him and in his name, place and stead to sign with or with-
out the other in any and all capacities and file such registra-
tion statements and any and all amendments and other documents
related thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the prem-
ises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of said
attorneys-in-fact.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set
his hand this 31st day of January, 1996.



                              /s/ R. R. Hemminghaus
                              ---------------------
                                  R. R. Hemminghaus



















<PAGE>
          The undersigned, Don Maddox a Director of SOUTHWEST-
ERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY ("Southwestern"), a New Mexico cor-
poration, which is to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, registration statements (a) for the registration of
Southwestern's First Mortgage Bonds to be issued pursuant to
the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated August 1,
1946, as supplemented and amended, between Southwestern and
Chemical Bank, as Trustee, (b) for the registration of South-
western's Common Stock, $1 par value, (c) for the registration
of Southwestern's Preferred Stock, $1 par value, and (d) for
any other equity or long-term debt, hereby constitutes and
appoints Bill D. Helton, David M. Wilks, Doyle R. Bunch II, and
Robert D. Dickerson of SPS Tower, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo,
Texas, and each of them Southwestern's attorney-in-fact, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises,
for him and in his name, place and stead to sign with or with-
out the other in any and all capacities and file such registra-
tion statements and any and all amendments and other documents
related thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the prem-
ises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of said
attorneys-in-fact.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set
his hand this 31st day of January, 1996.



                              /s/ Don Maddox
                              --------------
                                  Don Maddox



















<PAGE>
          The undersigned, J. Howard Mock a Director of SOUTH-
WESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY ("Southwestern"), a New Mexico
corporation, which is to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, registration statements (a) for the registration of
Southwestern's First Mortgage Bonds to be issued pursuant to
the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated August 1,
1946, as supplemented and amended, between Southwestern and
Chemical Bank, as Trustee, (b) for the registration of South-
western's Common Stock, $1 par value, (c) for the registration
of Southwestern's Preferred Stock, $1 par value, and (d) for
any other equity or long-term debt, hereby constitutes and
appoints Bill D. Helton, David M. Wilks, Doyle R. Bunch II, and
Robert D. Dickerson of SPS Tower, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo,
Texas, and each of them Southwestern's attorney-in-fact, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises,
for him and in his name, place and stead to sign with or with-
out the other in any and all capacities and file such registra-
tion statements and any and all amendments and other documents
related thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the prem-
ises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of said
attorneys-in-fact.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set
his hand this 31st day of January, 1996.



                              /s/ J. Howard Mock
                              ------------------
                                  J. Howard Mock



















<PAGE>
          The undersigned, Shirley Bird Perry a Director of
SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY ("Southwestern"), a New
Mexico corporation, which is to file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, registration statements (a) for the regis-
tration of Southwestern's First Mortgage Bonds to be issued
pursuant to the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated
August 1, 1946, as supplemented and amended, between Southwest-
ern and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, (b) for the registration of
Southwestern's Common Stock, $1 par value, (c) for the regis-
tration of Southwestern's Preferred Stock, $1 par value, and
(d) for any other equity or long-term debt, hereby constitutes
and appoints Bill D. Helton, David M. Wilks, Doyle R. Bunch II,
and Robert D. Dickerson of SPS Tower, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo,
Texas, and each of them Southwestern's attorney-in-fact, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises,
for him and in his name, place and stead to sign with or with-
out the other in any and all capacities and file such registra-
tion statements and any and all amendments and other documents
related thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the prem-
ises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of said
attorneys-in-fact.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set
his hand this 31st day of January, 1996.



                              /s/ Shirley Bird Perry
                              ----------------------
                                  Shirley Bird Perry



















<PAGE>
          The undersigned, Gary W. Wolf a Director of SOUTH-
WESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY ("Southwestern"), a New Mexico
corporation, which is to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, registration statements (a) for the registration of
Southwestern's First Mortgage Bonds to be issued pursuant to
the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated August 1,
1946, as supplemented and amended, between Southwestern and
Chemical Bank, as Trustee, (b) for the registration of South-
western's Common Stock, $1 par value, (c) for the registration
of Southwestern's Preferred Stock, $1 par value, and (d) for
any other equity or long-term debt, hereby constitutes and
appoints Bill D. Helton, David M. Wilks, Doyle R. Bunch II, and
Robert D. Dickerson of SPS Tower, Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo,
Texas, and each of them Southwestern's attorney-in-fact, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises,
for him and in his name, place and stead to sign with or with-
out the other in any and all capacities and file such registra-
tion statements and any and all amendments and other documents
related thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the prem-
ises as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of said
attorneys-in-fact.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set
his hand this 31st day of January, 1996.



                              /s/ Gary W. Wolf
                              ----------------
                                  Gary W. Wolf























        ------------------------------------------------

               SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                    Washington, D. C.  20549
                   ---------------------------

                            FORM  T-1

                    STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
            UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF
           A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
                 ------------------------------
       CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF
        A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2) ________
                 ------------------------------

                          CHEMICAL BANK
       (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

New York                                        13-4994650
(State of incorporation                   (I.R.S. employer
if not a national bank)                  identification No.)

270 Park Avenue
New York, New York                                   10017
(Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip Code)

                       William H. McDavid
                         General Counsel
                         270 Park Avenue
                    New York, New York 10017
                      Tel:  (212) 270-2611
    (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
                 ------------------------------
               SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
       (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

New Mexico                                      75-0575400                  
(State or other jurisdiction of            (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)           identification No.)

Tyler at Sixth
Amarillo, Texas                                      79101  
(Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip Code)

                         ------------------------------
                                 Debt Securities
                      (Title of the indenture securities)
                         -------------------------------<PAGE>
                                           GENERAL

Item 1.   General Information.

       Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

       (a)Name and address of each examining or supervising
authority to which it is subject.
       
          New York State Banking Department, State House, Albany,
New York  12110.

          Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System,
Washington, D.C., 20551
       
          Federal Reserve Bank of New York, District No. 2, 33
Liberty Street, New York, 
       N.Y.

          Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.,
20429.


       (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust
powers.

          Yes.


Item 2.  Affiliations with the Obligor.

       If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each
such affiliation.

       None.
<PAGE>
Item 16.       List of Exhibits
         
         List below all exhibits filed as a part of this Statement 
of Eligibility.

         1.  A copy of the Articles of Association of the Trustee as 
now in effect, including the  Organization Certificate and the
Certificates of Amendment dated February 17, 1969, August 31,
1977, December 31, 1980, September 9, 1982, February 28, 1985 and
December 2, 1991 (see Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed in connection
with Registration Statement  No. 33-50010, which is incorporated
by reference).

         2.  A copy of the Certificate of Authority of the Trustee 
to Commence Business (see Exhibit 2 to Form T-1 filed in
connection with Registration Statement No. 33-50010, which is
incorporated by reference).

         3.  None, authorization to exercise corporate trust 
powers being contained in the documents identified above as 
Exhibits 1 and 2.

         4.  A copy of the existing By-Laws of the Trustee (see
Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed in connection with Registration
Statement No. 33-84460, which is incorporated by reference).

         5.  Not applicable.

         6.  The consent of the Trustee required by Section 
321(b) of the Act (see Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed in connection 
with Registration Statement No. 33-50010, which is 
incorporated by reference).

         7.  A copy of the latest report of condition of the
Trustee, published pursuant to law or the requirements of its
supervising or examining authority.

         8.  Not applicable.

         9.  Not applicable.

                          SIGNATURE
       Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, the Trustee, Chemical Bank, a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused
this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of New
York and State of New York, on the 10th day of May, 1996.       
 
                                      CHEMICAL BANK
                                   By /s/ Josiane De Sousa      
                                      --------------------------
                                      Josiane De Sousa
                                      Assistant Vice President  
<PAGE>
                      Exhibit 7 to Form T-1
                        Bank Call Notice

                     RESERVE DISTRICT NO. 2
               CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION OF
                          Chemical Bank
          of 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017
             and Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
             a member of the Federal Reserve System,

         at the close of business December 31, 1995, in
 accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this
 District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Dollar Amounts
             ASSETS                       in Millions
             <S>                          <C>
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
     Noninterest-bearing balances and
     currency and coin ................................. $  6,390
     Interest-bearing balances .........................    2,544
Securities:  ..........................................
Held to maturity securities............................     3,807
Available for sale securities..........................    26,522
Federal Funds sold and securities purchased under
     agreements to resell in domestic offices of the
     bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries,
     and in IBF's:
     Federal funds sold ................................      750
     Securities purchased under agreements to resell ...      259
Loans and lease financing receivables:
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income $72,938
     Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses  1,917
       Less: Allocated transfer risk reserve ..   104
                                               ------
       Loans and leases, net of unearned income,
       allowance, and reserve ............................ 70,917
Trading Assets ........................................... 27,963
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized
       leases)............................................  1,355
Other real estate owned ..................................     21
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and
       associated companies...............................    171
Customer's liability to this bank on acceptances
       outstanding .......................................  1,166
Intangible assets ........................................    433
Other assets .............................................  4,822
                                                           ------
TOTAL ASSETS ............................................$147,120
                                                        =========<PAGE>
                               LIABILITIES
Deposits
      In domestic offices ............................   $47,524
       Noninterest-bearing ...........................   $17,041
       Interest-bearing ............................      30,483
                                                         -------
       In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement
       subsidiaries, and IBF's ......................     37,690 
Noninterest-bearing ............................$  147
       Interest-bearing ........................37,543
                                                -------
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agree-
ments to repurchase in domestic offices of the bank and
       of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBF's
       Federal funds purchased ........................... 9,384
       Securities sold under agreements to repurchase      2,166
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury ..............      741
Trading liabilities ...................................   21,847
Other Borrowed money:
       With original maturity of one year or less ...      9,669
With original maturity of more than one year .......         146
Mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized
       leases .............................................    14
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding    1,180
Subordinated notes and debentures .....................     3,411
Other liabilities .....................................     5,290

TOTAL LIABILITIES .....................................   139,062
                                                          -------
                       EQUITY CAPITAL
Common stock ..........................................      620
Surplus ...............................................    4,665
Undivided profits and capital reserves ................    3,055
Net unrealized holding gains (Losses)
on available-for-sale securities ......................     (290)
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments ...        8

TOTAL EQUITY CAPITAL ..................................    8,058
                                                          -------
TOTAL LIABILITIES, LIMITED-LIFE PREFERRED 
       STOCK AND EQUITY CAPITAL ......................  $147,120
                                                      ==========
</TABLE>

I, Joseph L. Sclafani, S.V.P. & Controller of the
above-named bank, do hereby declare that this Report of
Condition has been prepared in conformance with the in-
structions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory
authority and is true to the best of my knowledge and
belief.

                                            JOSEPH L. SCLAFANI

<PAGE>
We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this 
Report of Condition and declare that it has been
examined by us, and to the best of our knowledge and
belief has been prepared in conformance with the in-
structions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory
authority and is true and correct.
 

              WALTER V. SHIPLEY       )
              EDWARD D. MILLER        )DIRECTORS                 
              WILLIAM B. HARRISON     )                                


                                



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